Recent surveys show a predominantly favorable opinion towards the United States and Canada in Mexico, despite the tension in bilateral relations due to the trade war and annexation threats. However, this cultural rapprochement is not new, as the integration between Mexican society and North American culture has been a continuous process.
An important milestone in this cultural integration was the Day of the Dead parade that the James Bond movie, Spectre, presented in Mexico City in 2015. Despite the positivity surrounding the integration, there are differences among various social sectors, with some being more integrated than others.
Over three decades of trade integration, values surveys reveal a growth in trust towards the trade agreement and a majority perception of the benefits of the USMCA for Mexico. Despite the belief in a shared North American identity, this remains a minority view, although it is increasing.
The current landscape, marked by the trade war promoted by President Trump, has generated uncertainty about the future of this integration. As the economic consequences begin to be felt, the conversation in North America is turning towards disintegration rather than integration, at least temporarily.
According to surveys, the positive opinion towards the United States and Canada in Mexico is higher than towards Japan, reflecting the good image of trading partners. However, this scenario of integration could change in the near future, given the uncertainty in bilateral relations and the imposed tariff barriers.
In this context, the idea of possible cultural disintegration along with economic barriers raises doubts about the continuity of the closeness between Mexico and its trading partners. It remains to be seen what direction these relationships will take in the near future, considering the current challenges and the prospects for change in the region. The future of cultural and economic integration between these countries remains in suspense.
