The Free Trade Agreement between Mexico, the United States, and Canada celebrated 30 years since it came into effect in 2024, previously known as NAFTA, and later as T-MEC or USMCA. Two national values surveys conducted in 2003 and 2023 reveal that the majority of Mexicans, especially the new generations, view this trade agreement positively.
In 2003, 53% of respondents in Mexico considered the agreement beneficial for the country, while 32% disagreed. In contrast, in 2023, 72% expressed a positive evaluation, a notable increase compared to previous years. Generation Z, also known as centennials, stood out as the most favorable toward the agreement with 81% positive opinions, followed by millennials with 75%.
Regarding previous generations, Generation X showed 67% support in 2003, while baby boomers reached 66%. In contrast, the oldest generation, the post-revolutionaries, was the least favorable with 44% positive opinions. These data suggest an increase in support for the agreement among different generations over the years.
The return of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States raises the possibility of revisions to the agreement, which could impact Mexico's perception of the United States and the agreement itself. The surveys also reflect greater confidence in the agreement and a sense of cultural integration within Mexican society.
In summary, T-MEC has been positively regarded by the majority of Mexicans over the decades, and it is expected to continue generating interest and debate in legal, economic, and social terms in the future. The values surveys present an up-to-date picture of favorable attitudes toward the agreement, but it will be interesting to observe whether these trends persist in the future.
