Modern Mexico is one of the largest and most developed countries in Latin America. In 2002, its GDP amounted to 637.3 billion US dollars, and per capita - 6.2 thousand US dollars. According to the first indicator, Mexico ranks 2nd in the Latin American region after Brazil, and according to the second it has been ahead of this country since 1999. In terms of production volume, Mexico ranks 9th in the world. The economically active population is 40 million people, complete unemployment is 3.2 million people, partial unemployment is 4 million people. (2000). Inflation for 1998-2002 decreased from 16.6 to 5.7%. Agriculture, whose share in 2002 amounted to 5.1% of GDP, employs 20% of the economically active population, industry and construction (25.3% of GDP) - 24%, services (69.6% of GDP) - 56% .
Until sep. 1980s Large state and private national enterprises played a leading role in the economy. As a result of structural changes of a neoliberal nature, the number of state-owned enterprises decreased from 1,155 in 1982 to 80 in 2000. Over the years, banks, basic petrochemicals, electricity, satellite communications, as well as telecommunications, seaports and airports, transportation and supply of natural gas, iron and steel roads, etc. At the same time, a significant part of the privatized enterprises ended up in the hands of foreign investors. By the end of the century, the state's remaining strategic industries were oil production, development of radioactive minerals, and nuclear energy.
The manufacturing industry is characterized by the highest growth rates: in 2001 144.1% compared to 1993 (100%); 17.2% of GDP in 2002, and in general for the industrial sector of the economy 73.5% (2002). The number of manufacturing enterprises increased from 1220 (1980) to 3095 in 1990 and 5697 in 2001. In 2002, 7.13 million people were employed in this industry. (17.6% of the economically active population).
A significant role in the manufacturing industry and in the economic life of Mexico in general is played by export-oriented assembly enterprises - maquiladoras, which operate almost entirely (96%) on imported components. The number of these enterprises over the past 3 decades has increased from 454 (1975) to 3684 (2001), and the number of workers employed in them has increased, respectively, from 67 thousand to 1 million people. In 2001, their share accounted for 56% of the production of the metalworking and engineering industries, which play a leading role in the structure of the manufacturing industry as a whole (559.2 billion pesos out of 1544.2 billion pesos for the industry as a whole in 2001). The automotive industry accounts for 18.2% (2000), the number of employees is 511 thousand people, of which 237 thousand are in maquiladoras (2000) (see also Table 1). Main role TNCs play in the automotive industry - Nissan Mexicana, Volkswagen de Mexico, General Motors de Mexico, Daimerchrysler de Mexico, Ford Motor Company.
The second largest manufacturing industry by production volume is the food industry (production of food, beverages and tobacco products) - 383.8 billion pesos, or 25% as of 2001. The third is the synthetic industry (production of chemicals, petroleum products, rubber and plastic products) - 273 .1 billion pesos. The textile industry in the national production sector is relatively poorly developed. However, in the transnational - in the structure of maquiladoras production - it owns 15.8% of the value of manufactured products (2nd place after mechanical engineering and metalworking).
The share of construction in the industrial sector of the Mexican economy is 15% and 4% in GDP (2002). Half of the sector's production is in the hands of state-owned enterprises, and half is in the hands of private companies. In total, the sector employs 2.5 million people. (2002). 40.3% of the real value of manufactured products falls on the construction of buildings and 26.8% on construction in the transport sector (2001).
Mexico ranks 7th in the world in gold production (1% of world production in 2001) and 1st in silver production (16.1%); 3rd in arsenic production (6.9%); 6th in lead mining (5%); 6th in zinc mining (5%); 2nd in bismuth production (22.4%); 3rd in cadmium mining (7.6%), 6th in molybdenum mining (4.2%), 2nd in fluorite mining (13.7%). Mexico ranks 9th in the world in crude oil reserves (2002), and 22nd in natural gas reserves. In terms of crude oil production, Mexico ranks 7th (3,127 thousand barrels per day, 2001), and natural gas - 10th. The leading company Pemex is the third crude oil producer among the world leaders, with a production volume of 3,450 thousand barrels. per day (including liquid gas, 2000); In terms of natural gas production, Pemex is in 7th place in the world.
The energy sector employs 260.5 thousand people. (3.2% of the industrial sector as a whole, 2001). The share of the energy sector in Mexico's industry is 7.5%. The leading primary energy source is crude oil (70% of total primary energy production, 2001), followed by gas (18%), water (3%), forest (2.62%) and coal (2.45%) . Mexico's secondary energy mix is dominated by petroleum products (59.5%), gas (21.3%) and electricity (14.5%).
In the production of electricity within the public sector, 1/3 of primary energy resources comes from water resources, 2/3 from thermal sources. 30% of Mexico's electricity production is in the hands of multinational corporations. 15% of electricity production in the private sector belongs to the Iberdrola corporation, 13% to Mitsubishi, 10% to the Spanish Union Fenosa.
Despite the constant decline in the share of the agricultural sector in GDP (3.7% in 2002 versus 9% in 1986), agriculture remains an important sector of the Mexican economy: in 2000, 8.7 million people, or 21.5%, were employed in it. economically active population, in 2002 agricultural exports amounted to $3.8 billion. Of 196 million hectares national territory In Mexico, 32 million hectares (16%) are suitable for agriculture, of which 24 million are cultivated. In terms of irrigated area (6.5 million hectares), Mexico ranks 1st in Latin America and 5th in the world.
Mexico was the first in Latin America to begin implementing agrarian reform, the legal basis of which was Art. 27 of the Constitution of 1917. During the years of reform, about 90 million hectares were distributed, 3.2 million farms received land. To the beginning 1980s about 30% of the total number of farms were private, 64% ejidal (community) and 6% mixed.
Mexico's transition to a neoliberal development model has forced a reconsideration agricultural policy. The privatization of ejidos and the free exit of their members from them are allowed, with the possibility of creating associations with other types of landowners (private or public). The leading role in agricultural production is occupied by agriculture, which accounts for St. 1/2 of the total cost of the industry product.
In 2000, the cattle population amounted to 30.3 million, incl. slaughter 6.6 million, dairy 6.8 million. Pigs - 13.7 million, poultry - 476 million. It was produced (in million tons): meat (total) 4.3, incl. beef 1.4, pork 1.0, poultry 1.9; milk 9.5.
Mexico's dependence on food imports is increasing. In 2000, it provided 77% of the consumption of oilseeds, 48.3% of vegetable oils, 36.3% of grains, 20.6% of meat, 13.9% of root crops. Vegetable growing, fruit growing and spice production remain export-oriented. In 2001 total production wood amounted to 8.1 million m3 (pine - 6.6 million), of which 33% was for industrial purposes.
In the surrounding Mexican seas there are about 100 species of fish and shellfish, of which the most higher value have shrimp, oysters, sardines and tuna. Main fishing areas: shallows of the Gulf of Mexico (75% of the catch) and the Gulf of California. In 2000, the total catch of fishery products amounted to 1,250 thousand tons. In recent decades, the development of aquaculture has become increasingly important, with an emphasis (80%) on the production of shrimp, the export of which in 2000 amounted to 61 thousand tons, from mid. 1990s annual aquaculture production exceeds US$1 billion.
Length railways 26.7 thousand km, in 2002 66 million passengers were transported, cargo turnover was 47.8 billion tkm. The length of roads is 341 thousand km, of which 111.4 thousand are paved. There are 108 sea and river ports, the largest of which are: Acapulco, Altamira, Veracruz, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Tampico. The length of navigable sections of rivers and canals is 2.9 thousand km. The maritime fleet consists of 44 vessels with a displacement of 1 thousand tons and a total carrying capacity of 987 thousand tons. In 2002, 248 million tons of cargo were transported. There are 1,852 airfields and landing sites, of which 231 are paved, including 57 international airports(34.1 million passengers and 352 thousand tons of cargo in 2002). The length of oil pipelines is 28.2 thousand km, gas pipelines - 13.3 thousand km, product pipelines 10.2 thousand km, the state oil company Pemex is implementing a program for the construction of 7.9 thousand km of new pipelines designed for 2001-06. The monopolist in the field of wired telephone communications is the Telmex company, privatized in several stages in 1990-94, in 1997 the admission of independent operators began, the number of landline devices is at stake. 2002 amounted to 15 million, number mobile phones for 1990-2002 increased from 63.9 thousand to 25.8 million.
Long time Mexico's largest tourist center was Acapulco on the Pacific coast, from the beginning. 1970s it became Cancun on the shore Caribbean Sea. Number hotel rooms in 2002 reached 482.1 thousand. The number of tourists in 1993-2002 increased from 83 to 100.2 million, of which 80.5 million were US citizens visiting the border areas of Mexico on short visits. Tourism revenues increased from US$4.6 billion to US$6.7 billion over the same period.
The Bank of Mexico (central bank) has received autonomy from 1993 executive power, its ability to lend to the government is limited to 1.5% of current budget expenditures. The Bank of Mexico has overall responsibility for the country's monetary policy, sharing responsibility for monetary and public credit policies with the Ministry of Finance.
The basis credit system Mexico consists of diversified banks, total number which are at stake 2002 amounted to 33. Their total capital was 18 billion US dollars, assets - 161 billion, liabilities - 143 billion, the volume of loans provided - 95 billion. There are also 7 state development banks and 163 credit unions. After liberalization in mid. 1990s access of foreign capital to the banking sector, about 90% of assets were under his control; in 2000-02, foreign investors acquired 4 of the country's largest banks.
The stock exchange was created in 1886. At the end. In 2002, 169 companies were listed, with a market capitalization of $286.3 billion. Foreign investors owned 44.6 billion worth of shares in Mexican companies, down from a high of 66.7 billion in 1999. the activity of institutional investors has sharply intensified, among which AFORES stands out - private management companies pension funds, created in accordance with the pension reform of 1997, whose resources exceeded the beginning. 2003 US$30 billion. There are 362 investment funds and 54 insurance companies (2002). St. is concentrated in the hands of institutional investors. 60% of all government obligations in circulation, incl. AFORES - 34%.
State budget revenues in 2002 were equal to 22.5% of GDP, expenses - 23.7%. With a stable primary surplus of 1.5-2.5% of GDP, the overall budget balance in last decade amounts to a small deficit, increasing from 0.3% of GDP in 1994 to 1.2% in 2002. Federal government tax collections in 2002 were equal to 11% of GDP, based on income taxes (43.8%) and VAT (29.9 %). The activities of state-owned companies provided 28.9% of budget revenues, or 6.5% of GDP. The share of capital expenditures in expenditures is on a downward trend: to 13.5%, or 3.2% of GDP in 2002. The ratio of public debt to GDP, which peaked in 1986 (76.5%), was 20.9% in 2002. . The share of foreign investments in government obligations for 1993-2002 decreased from 21.9 to 1.6% of the total circulation amount.
Mexico's foreign trade turnover is characterized by a passive balance. In 2002, exports amounted to 160.7 billion US dollars, imports - 168.7 billion US dollars. For a long time, raw materials, among which oil is the leader, were the main export item. However, after the debt crisis of the 1980s. and structural transformations, the share of raw materials in merchandise exports decreased from 75% in 1980 to 22% in 1995 and to 16% in 2000, and the share of industrial goods increased over these years, respectively, from 10.5 to 64% and 83.5%. In 2002, industrial products accounted for 88.4% of exports (machinery and equipment for industrial and consumer purposes - 66.3%), oil and petroleum products - 9.0%, agricultural goods - 2.4%, mineral raw materials - 0.2%. At the same time, high-tech products are already in mid-season. 1990s accounted for 32.5% versus 2.6% in 1980. In the 1990s. Mexico has taken 4th place in the world in the export of machinery and equipment to the United States after Germany, Canada and Japan, pushing aside the UK, Italy and France. K ser. 1990s Mexico accounted for 75% of high-tech products exported by the Latin American region.
Mexico also exports silver, cotton, textiles, shoes, sugar, fruits, vegetables, coffee, cocoa, shrimp, fish, etc. Main imports: machinery and equipment, rolled steel, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, automobile parts for assembly, auto parts for repair , aircraft and spare parts for them, food, raw materials and semi-finished products. Main foreign trade partners (2002,%) for export: USA (89.0), Canada (1.7), Spain (0.9), Germany (0.7), Venezuela (0.4); by import: USA (63.2), Japan (5.5), China (3.7), Germany (3.6), Canada (2.7).
The influx of direct private investment in 2002 amounted to 13.6 billion US dollars, remittances from Mexicans working abroad - 9.8 billion US dollars (compared to 5.6 billion in 1998), foreign exchange reserves (at the end of the year) - 48 billion, external debt - 155 billion, of which 78.8 billion were in the public sector, 76.2 billion in the private sector.
National income per capita, calculated by currency purchasing power parity, was estimated in 2001 at $8,240. The poorest 10% of residents accounted for 1.2% of total income, the richest 10% accounted for 41.6%. St. lives below the poverty line. 40% of Mexicans with an income of less than $1 per day have St. 10% of the population, less than 2 dollars - almost 1/4. Minimum wage($4.2 per day in 2002) is annually indexed in accordance with the inflation rate. According to the Human Development Index, Mexico ranks 55th in the world.
Oil industry
The oil industry is a leading sector of the Mexican economy and the most important factor in the internal political struggle.
Foreign oil companies, which accounted for more than 90% of the country's oil production, were nationalized, resulting in the entire industry being monopolized under the state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex).
Nationalization contributed to the development of oil refining in the country - during the 1950-1960s. Refinery capacities increased so much that they were able to fully supply the country with oil and basic petrochemical products.
In the mid-1970s, new oil and gas fields were discovered, making Mexico one of the major oil nations. The oil industry was the most dynamic sector of the economy and the most important source of foreign exchange earnings. In 1981, oil export revenues amounted to $14 billion, or 72% of the value of all Mexican exports.
The state regulated domestic oil prices, which contributed to economic development and increased incomes of the population.
At the same time, the missing funds for the implementation of large-scale projects, financing of unprofitable state-owned enterprises, import of equipment and luxury goods entered the country in the form of external loans.
As a result, Mexico's external debt approached $90 billion in the early 1980s, and the cost of its annual servicing reached almost $20 billion. A sharp decline in world energy prices in the 1980s. turned Mexico into the largest debtor, and already in August Mexico declared a default on external debts.
The debt crisis forced the Mexican authorities to abandon the model of state capitalism and undertake economic reforms based on privatization.
Almost all state-owned enterprises were privatized, and many of them became foreign property.
In the oil sector, oil refining was the first to be privatized.
As for the state-owned company Pemex, almost all of its income began to be withdrawn into the federal budget, which led to a significant reduction in capital investment in development and acquisition modern technologies and, as a consequence, a sharp decrease in the output of petroleum products and petrochemical products, their shortage and rapid growth in imports - in particular, this affected high-octane gasoline.
In order to expand oil production, it is proposed to develop potential fields on the shelf of the Gulf of Mexico. This project, however, also requires huge investments. Now the admission of private capital into oil production is prohibited by the Constitution, which assigns the status of strategic industries not subject to privatization to oil production, nuclear energy and the development of radioactive materials.
Mexico ranks third in oil production in the Western Hemisphere and seventh in the world. The Mexican company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) is state owned and is one of the largest oil producing companies in the world. On average, Mexico produced 3 million barrels per day in 2009, down from 3.18 million barrels per day in 2008.
In the near future there will be a decrease in oil production. According to the IEA, production will fall by 400 thousand barrels of oil per day in 2011, primarily due to the depletion of the Cantarel field. And by 2015, Mexico could become an oil importer; by 2035, the production level will be 1.7 million barrels per day, and the import level will be 1.3 million barrels per day. This will have significant influence on the internal economic situation in Mexico and will require the search for new sources of income.
Natural gas production
Natural gas is an important resource for Mexico as demand for it is growing, especially in the electricity sector (gas-fired power plants). Mexico has gas reserves of 13.2 trillion cubic meters. ft., 1.84 trillion cubic meters were produced in 2008. ft. The volume of production is not enough to cover the internal needs of the state, so Mexico is an importer of gas. Most gas is imported from the United States through gas pipelines and in the form of LNG from other countries.
Pemex has a monopoly on gas production and the development of new fields. The company is also the largest consumer of gas, accounting for about 40% of total oil consumption. Natural gas is produced in almost the same regions as oil. Fields in the north and south of the country together produce about 60% of the gas, the rest is produced in the Bay of Campeche. And while oil production from the Cantarel field in the Gulf has been declining, natural gas production there has more than doubled between 2006 and 2008. There are two LNG terminals operating in Mexico. On the west coast, the Costa Azul terminal has been operating since 2008, capable of processing 1 billion cubic meters. feet of gas per day. On the east coast is the Altamira terminal, which is a joint venture between Royal Dutch Shell, Total and Mitsui, with a throughput capacity of 500 million cubic meters. feet per day, it is planned to increase it to 1.3 billion.
Coal mining
Coal reserves in Mexico were estimated at 1.335 billion short tons in 2005, with production increasing and totaling 12.7 million short tons in 2008. The largest producers coal in the country are two domestic steel companies Minera Carbonifera Rio Escondido (Micare) and Minera Monclova (Mimosa). Micare mines hard coal in the Sabinas and Fuentes-Rio Escondido basins in the state of Coahuila through two open pits and three mines with total reserves of 208.6 million tons. Mimosa produces coking coal from four mines in the area Sabinas.
Electric power industry in Mexico
The vast majority of electricity in Mexico is obtained by processing hydrocarbons, mainly natural gas. Mexico spent 870 trillion on electricity production in 2008. BTUs of natural gas and 430 BTUs of petroleum products. Access to the electricity market has been open to private companies since 1992, but most of the industry is controlled by the state-owned Federal Electricity Commission. Nuclear energy is not very developed; currently there is only one nuclear power plant, Laguna Verde, with a capacity of 1,400 megawatts; its capacity is planned to increase by 20% in the coming years. Hydroelectric power provides up to 18% of the state's electricity needs; the largest hydroelectric power station is Manul Moreno Torres, with a capacity of 2,400 megawatts. The share of alternative renewable energy sources (biomass, solar, wind, geothermal) is 4%.
Production of building materials
One of the world's largest cement producers is Cemex.
Tourism
Telecommunications
Mexico is the world leader in the production of Spanish-language telecommunications products. On December 19, the country launched its first orbital satellite, Mexsat 3.
Investments
Mexico's central bank reported that migrants working abroad sent $21.27 billion in remittances into the country in 2010. According to the Central Bank, the increase in the number of remittances is associated with an improvement in the economic situation in the United States, where about 12 million Mexicans work, half of them illegally.
In February 2011, the American retail chain Wal-Mart announced its intention to open 445 new stores in Mexico and other Latin American countries. According to them, the cost of the project reaches 19 billion pesos.
On April 28, 2011, the presidents of Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru signed an economic integration agreement. The signed Pacific Treaty is aimed at expanding trade and economic ties between countries and attracting investment. The Economic Integration Treaty provides for further liberalization of trade, services and investment. In addition, it will allow, based on market relations participating countries to coordinate efforts to enter new markets for their products. According to experts, this agreement will increase the volume of trade between the countries by at least $5 billion.
Notes
| Mexico in topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Story | New Spain First Empire First Federalist Republic Centralist Republic Second Empire Second Federalist Republic Dictatorship Mexican Revolution Mexican Miracle |  |
| Symbols | Coat of Arms Flag Anthem | |
| Policy | Political system Constitution Parliament Foreign policy | |
| Armed forces | Air Force Ground Forces Navy | |
| Currency Tourism Transport Agriculture | ||
| Geography | Capital Administrative division Cities | |
| Society | Population Languages Science Education Sports Religion | |
| Culture | Literature Music Cinema Holidays Kitchen | |
| Portal "Mexico" Project "Mexico" | ||
| Member States of the World Trade Organization | |
|---|---|
|
Australia Austria Albania Angola Antigua and Barbuda |
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk branch of Moscow
State Institute
Test by subject: World economy
Teacher: Shalygin Andrey Alekseevich
Subject: Economy of Mexico
Completed by a first year student
(correspondence department) g.605
Glazneva Anastasia Georgievna
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk 1999
PLAN :
1. Introduction. Economic development of Latin countries
3. Historical sketch
4. History of oil exploration
a) initial stages
b) "Golden Age"
c) increase in oil production
a) prerequisites for the formation
b) the effect of NAFTA on the Mexican economy
c) operational crisis
6. general characteristics economy
7. Foreign trade and foreign economic relations
8. Conclusion
9. Tables
10. Diagram
11. List of used literature
INTRODUCTION
Currently, the attention of the world community is attracted by the rapid development of the “newly industrialized countries” of Asia, Africa and Latin America. In my essay I want to highlight the processes that have taken place and are currently taking place in the “new industrial country” of Latin America - Mexico.
Despite the significant gap in the level of socio-economic development from the countries of Asia and Africa, Latin American countries have a number of common features with them.
Firstly, the vast majority of them are characterized by a low level of development of productive forces. And although modern era characterized by the spread of the scientific and technological revolution, but in countries such as Haiti, Guatemala, El Salvador, Bolivia, Ecuador, its influence is not felt at all.
The industrial revolution is proceeding very slowly in these countries. Most of the population is concentrated in the village and engaged in primitive manual labor.
Secondly, pre-capitalist relations are widespread, primarily in agriculture. Not only in the countries mentioned, but also in such countries as Mexico and Brazil,
where capitalism has been developing very intensively in the last two decades, semi-feudal relations are common in the countryside.
Thirdly, the main industries of the countries of the Latin American region are under strong control from
foreign capital. After all, Latin America contains: - about 20% of the total reserves of non-ferrous metal ores;
More than 80% niobium;
More than 40% beryllium, copper and silver;
More than 30% antimony and graphite;
More than 20% of iron ores, bauxite, tin and sulfur of the world's reserves.
However, not all Latin American countries have seen significant progress over the past two decades. Despite the common historical destinies and the similarity of socio-economic conditions of development of the countries of the region, there are significant differences between them. With the exception of Cuba, which is building socialism. Nicaragua, which is carrying out deep progressive transformations, all Latin American countries are developing along the capitalist path. Of these, three countries - Brazil, Mexico and Argentina - have significantly surpassed other countries in terms of industrial development and the maturity of capitalist relations. Progressive changes in the sectoral structure of the economies of these countries contributed to an even greater strengthening of their positions in regional industrial production.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The United Mexican States is one of the largest countries in Latin America. Its territory is 1958.2 thousand square kilometers. In terms of territory, Mexico ranks fifth among the countries of the Western Hemisphere. In the north it borders with the United States of America, in the south with Guatemala and Belize.
Mexico is a mountainous country, more than 50% of its territory is located above 1000 meters above sea level. The only plain is the Yucatan Peninsula; narrow lowlands also stretch along the ocean coasts.
Water resources are distributed extremely unevenly, which, together with other factors, creates difficulties for farming. Many areas of Mexico require irrigation.
The country is rich in minerals: oil, gas, mercury, silver, zinc, lead, uranium and others. Proven oil reserves amount to about 9.8 billion tons, natural gas - 1826 billion cubic meters.
Mexico, the world's largest producer of silver, ranks seventh in the world in the production of zinc, sulfur and salt, and fourth in lead and mercury.
In terms of population, Mexico is the third largest country in the Western Hemisphere. In 1983 The country's population numbered more than 70 million people.
The official language is Spanish, but Indian languages are widely spoken in many remote areas.
The capital of the country, Mexico City, is home to 12.7 million people. Together with its surrounding cities, Mexico City forms one of the largest urban conglomerations in the world, home to 20% of the country's population. This is the largest industrial center in Latin America; it and other cities in the Valley of Mexico account for about 60% of the country's industrial potential.
Mexico is a federal republic consisting of 31 states and the Federal District. Supreme power is exercised by the president, who is the head of government, directly elected for a term of 6 years. The Constitution prohibits the re-election of the President.
Legislative power is exercised by the National Congress, consisting of two chambers - the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
HISTORICAL SKETCH
The Spanish conquerors who discovered the New World captured Mexico in 1519-1521. Mexico became a Spanish colony. A brutal colonial regime was established. Mexico became the largest supplier of gold and silver to the metropolis.
A powerful revolutionary upsurge in the country occurred at the beginning of the 19th century. But the proclamation of the republic and the adoption of the constitution in 1821. did not stop the internal political struggle between conservatives and liberals. This led to instability of power. In seven years (1841 - 1848), more than 20 presidents were replaced. One coup d'état followed another.
Internal struggle The United States took advantage of the instability in the country. In the mid-30s, the United States began its expansion to the south. And as a result, the United States captured 2.2 million square kilometers of Mexico. It contains the current North American states of Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
By the beginning of the bourgeois-democratic revolution in Mexico (1910-1917), foreign capital controlled the main industries. American and British companies took leading positions in the mining, oil and other industries. Mexico's oil fields were exploited in the most predatory manner. Mexico moved to one of the first places in oil production, which amounted to 12,552 thousand barrels in 1911.
The world economic crisis (1929-1933) sharply aggravated class and social contradictions, strengthened anti-imperialist sentiments in the country. Characteristic feature transformations in the 30s was the creation of the public sector of the economy, which was supposed to promote social change and independent development of the country. The nationalization of oil and other measures aimed at independent development and restriction of foreign capital caused discontent both within the country and abroad. But under the influence of events associated with the outbreak of the Second World War, forces oriented toward closer ties with foreign and, above all, American capital acquired predominant influence in the state.
In 1976 José López Portillo assumed the presidency (1976 - 1982). The government's program was defined as follows: appropriate distribution of income through the implementation of the right to work. But the reforms carried out by the government were not fully completed.
HISTORY OF OIL EXPLORATION
Venezuela, Mexico and Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, - vivid examples old oil-producing countries, where new and often effective discoveries are still being made today. The first exploration work and the first discoveries in these three regions date back to the second half of the 19th century. The largest fields, many of which are still being exploited, were discovered by wells drilled in close proximity to zones with surface signs of oil-bearing potential. Then, after more or less prolonged periods of virtually fruitless exploration (if not outright frustration and despair), the use of improved exploration techniques and new concepts in petroleum geology facilitated an expansion of exploration activities that led, especially in Mexico, to discoveries new series large deposits. The history of oil exploration in Mexico is complex. Its course was and is influenced by political, as well as technical and economic factors, which are also often intertwined. Starting at the beginning this century, it is still ongoing and replete with interesting discoveries.
The existence of surface hydrocarbon shows was known in Mexico before the Spanish conquest. The first attempt at industrial oil production from one of these surface sources was made in 1863, but it was not developed. The actual birth date of Mexico's current oil industry is between 1901 and 1904. Although US oil companies have been involved in exploration in Mexico since its inception, decisive role played by Mexican geologist Ezequiel Ordonez (1867-1950). It was Ordonez who then recommended laying a well in close proximity to large natural oil seeps around the mouth of the Cerro de la Pez volcano, a few kilometers south of Ebano. On April 3, 1904, after the development of the La Paz #1 well, oil was obtained from a depth of 502 m with an initial flow rate of about 500 barrels per day (over 13 years, the total oil production from this well exceeded 4 million barrels).
On July 4, 1908, a decisive event took place in the history of oil exploration in Mexico, when a gush of oil erupted from the San Diego #3 well (also called Dos Bocas) from a depth of 556 m. Within a few minutes, a stream of oil and gas ejected a drill string from the well pipes The tower was destroyed and the entire drilling rig turned into a huge fire. The fire raged for two months and died out on its own after salty formation water began to flow from the well. According to experts, during this period of time 11.4 million barrels of oil were released at a well flow rate of 200,000 barrels per day.
"Golden age"
The oil release from the Dos Bocas wells had a worldwide resonance. Its significance acquired even greater importance due to the favorable situation in the country at that time. Porfirio Diaz, then president of Mexico, intended to develop the country's economy, including the development of oil wealth, and to this end pursued policies aimed at attracting foreign capital to Mexico. In 1901, in order to stimulate the activities of oil companies in Mexico, they were granted special privileges: the abolition of export duties on petroleum products and duties on the import of drilling and oil refining equipment, partial exemption from taxes on invested capital, etc. This policy allowed the oil industry to develop at breakneck speed. However, it was also the root cause of abuses and other negative consequences, which ultimately led to the expropriation of the property of foreign companies.
There is an influx into Mexico of everything more oil firms: many small independent companies from the United States, as well as several large ones: Standard Oil of N.J. (through Transcontinental), Standard Oil of Indiana.
Oil production growth
Over the next five years, production levels were inconsistent. Since 1943, the oil production curve has been creeping up. The Mexican Ministry of Petroleum has set up an exploration department with a very small staff. Discoveries began in 1948, when the Reynosa gas field was discovered in the northeast Gulf Coast. In 1951, the largest gas field, Jose Colomo, was discovered, the reserves of which were estimated at 60 billion cubic meters. In 1972, the Cactus and Sitio Grande wells were drilled several tens of kilometers to the north. These two wells penetrated reef limestones of the Upper and Middle Cretaceous, respectively, saturated with oil for several hundred meters. It was already a success! This is how the second new oil-bearing zone was discovered. Thus, within ten years a new gigantic oil-bearing province was discovered. The success rate of exploratory drilling reached 70%. It turned out that the first fields discovered on land (Sameria, Kunduacan, Iride...) and offshore (Chak, Akal, Bakab, Abkatun) belong to two giant productive complexes - Bermudez and Cantarel, oil reserves in each of which are close to 1 billion . tons Thanks to the discoveries of these fields, proven reserves and oil production in Mexico have increased 10-fold in 10 years. Reserves - from 800 million tons to 8 billion tons, production - from 12 million tons to 150 million tons. In 1984, Mexico ranked 4th in the world in production. Brief background
In June 1991, the United States and Mexico adopted a joint statement to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement. In September, President Bush notified Congress of his intention to negotiate such an agreement, with the possible participation of Canada. In February 1991, Canada agreed to join the United States and Mexico in trilateral discussions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). A month later, they presented a preliminary text and set the time and place for signing the Agreement - October 17, 1991 in San Antonio, Texas.
NAPHTHA
Prerequisites for the formation
In 1991, the United States recorded for the first time since 1981. positive balance trade balance with Mexico. As in 1980, Mexico was then the third largest supplier of American imports and buyer of exports (excluding illegal transactions). The United States has been and remains Mexico's number one trading partner. The industrial states of the East and Midwest experienced the largest increases in exports to Mexico. The largest increase occurred in Texas (+12.4 billion dollars), California (+4.3), Arizona (+1.2), Illinois (+1.1), Pennsylvania (+0.5), Washington (+0.4), Ohio (+0.4), Florida (+0.4). The lion's share of the increase comes from complex engineering products, electronics and petrochemical products. More than 90% of US exports are manufactured products.
Thus, Mexico has become the fastest growing (2.5 times faster than exports to other countries) US export market. The share of US exports going to Mexico increased from 5.9% in 1987 to 9.1% in 1992.
Mexico's growing importance to the US economy is not only due to population growth and the influx of immigrants from Mexico and the development of the border area. Opened in the early 70s. Mexico's vast oil reserves have transformed it from a net importer to a major supplier of oil to US strategic reserves. Oil put Mexico in third place in terms of foreign trade turnover with the United States - after Canada and Japan, but before the UK and Germany. If illegal supplies (including drugs) are taken into account, Mexico is perhaps the United States' largest trading partner.
The effect of NAFTA on the Mexican economy
As already mentioned, the agreement will have the greatest impact on the Mexican economy due to the enormous potential that this country has and which will be realized at a faster pace. NAFTA will accelerate development and bring stability to Mexico. What Mexico needs above all is foreign investment that will provide risk capital, ensure an influx of new technologies, reduce dependence on external debt and strengthen its position in the country. foreign market. Foreign direct investment determines the renewal of management theory and practice, stimulates innovation and modernization. FDI is a catalyst for increasing the competitiveness of a country's products, while simultaneously bringing local producers up to the international level. Since the late 80s. foreign direct investment plays a significant role in the entire volume of capital flowing into Mexico, since it was from the late 80s. Mexico is undergoing fundamental structural changes, liberalizing access to its domestic market and engaging in the creation of regional blocs. According to estimates, the increase in Mexico's real GDP only as a result of NAFTA is a clear fact, but the percentage of increase varies from 0.1 to 11.4%. Over a twenty-five year period, GDP is expected to increase by 50%. The Hufbauer-Scott model estimates job creation at 609 thousand, which would be 2% of total employment in 2000. The purchasing power of Mexicans will increase by 8.7%, foreign investment will create high-paying jobs. But it is likely that small businesses will suffer and will be pushed out by TNCs.
Some models estimate the impact of NAFTA to be 0.5% of annual growth in US GNP. The treaty will bring even less tangible results to Canada, since its trade volumes with Mexico are very limited.
Under NAFTA, as of January 1, 1999, more than half of US exports went to Mexico duty-free: within 5 years, this share would reach 2/3 of the total value of exports. US exports in sectors completely exempt from duties reached $7.4 billion in the first 8 months of 1994, which is 25% more than in 1993. The share of exports for all other specifications increased by 19%. The largest increase in value was experienced by the market for computers ($30 million), semiconductors (98 million), cathode ray tubes (93), industrial and agricultural equipment ($21 million and $33 million, respectively). The structure of US exports is dominated by high-value, technically complex products, such as cars, machine tools and computers.
Operational crisis
However, after a little more than a year after NAFTA was approved by Congress, Mexico found itself in the deepest crisis in its history; The peso depreciated by almost half (neutralizing the effect of Mexico's much-publicized tariff cuts on US exporters), and the country's much-vaunted leadership turned out to be a nest of drug-fuelled corruption. Majorities in Congress and a majority of American voters rightly blamed NAFTA, that narrow, hastily cobbled together economic reform program for which Mexico's fragile economy was simply not ready.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ECONOMY
Mexico is the most developed country in Latin America. In terms of GNP and industrial output, it ranks second in the region, second only to Brazil in these indicators. So the average annual GDP growth from 1965 to 1970. Was equal to 6.9%; in 1970 - 1974 - 6.3%. During the global economic crisis of 1974 - 1975. This figure decreased, and then in 1978 - 1980. It rose to 8 - 9%.
And although Mexico’s GDP has grown by more than 1.5 times in the last ten years, it still lags noticeably in per capita income from developed capitalist countries, and among Latin American countries it ranks third after Argentina and Venezuela.
Entering a new phase of its industrial development, Mexico used financial and material support from developed countries, primarily the United States. At the same time, specialization and cooperation were carried out on the basis of the gradual integration of the economic structures of Mexico with the economies of developed capitalist countries. These factors have left a deep imprint on the economic development of Mexico, giving it a contradictory character.
Behind post-war years The structure of GNP has undergone significant changes. The share of agriculture in it is constantly falling. So, in 1950 It was 23.8% in 1970. - 11.9, and in 1978 - already 9.0%. The share of the manufacturing industry is gradually increasing (see table No. 1). However, in terms of manufacturing industry, Mexico still lags far behind the developed capitalist countries. In terms of overall indicators of economic development, Mexico is approaching a country like Spain, second only to it in terms of production per capita
(see table No. 2).
Characterizing the industry as a whole, it should be noted that 80.7% of all manufacturing enterprises are small industries owned by national or private capital and using national technology.
They mainly provide employment to the population. In 1960 The share of small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing industry accounted for 71.5% of all products produced and 79.5% of all employees in the industry.
The state is pursuing a policy of stimulating medium and small industry, for which the Guarantee Fund for Stimulating Medium and Small Industry has been created. Preferential tax policies are applied to these enterprises. The country's industrial development plans focus on great attention small and medium industry. According to data for 1970 There were 1,007 large enterprises with 477 thousand people employed, medium - 2,122 with 365 thousand people employed, and small - 68,036 with 628 thousand people employed.
Investments in the economy are ensured mainly through increased government investment. Public investment in the economy and social infrastructure grew at a fairly high rate during 1950 - 1970 (see diagram No. 1).
An important factor in Mexico's economic development was the growth of labor productivity. While employment from 1960 to 1977 It increased by 2.1 times, the value of GDP over the same period increased by 4.7 times. In 1972 The assets of foreign affiliates accounted for 52% of the assets of the 300 largest enterprises in the manufacturing industry. However, adoption in 1973 The Law on the Promotion of National and Regulation of Foreign Investment prevented further capitalization of the Mexican economy. The state policy in regulating the activities of foreign capital allows local companies to enter into competition not exactly with TNCs, but only with its branches in the country. Although foreign branches gave away a controlling stake, their influence is felt everywhere, since 90% of large and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises use foreign technology and build their production on the basis of foreign equipment, brands and patents.
But despite “import substitution” and “Mexicanization,” foreign investment and imports of goods continue to rapidly increase. Despite all efforts, the government was unable to stop the rise in inflation. In 1976 Prices for consumer goods have increased compared to 1973. More than 1.5 times. All this, combined with the global economic crisis, forced the government to abandon the stability of the Mexican peso.
1976 - 1977 were difficult years for the Mexican economy. The recovery began in the second half of 1978, private sector investment increased, and inflation rates decreased. In 1979 GDP growth was 8%, employment increased by 7.6%. But agriculture found itself in a difficult situation, its production decreased by 3.5%.
Mexico's industry developed at a high rate in 1980 - 1981. Oil production and production in the petrochemical complex, cement industry and mechanical engineering grew rapidly.
On this moment Much attention is paid to the development of the private sector in the Mexican economy. According to the decree of August 15, 1983. On the development and activities of the maquiladoras sector, enterprises of this type can be created everywhere.
The decree provides for the possibility of creating such enterprises in a “free export zone” under 100% foreign ownership, which puts them in special conditions compared to the majority of foreign firms operating in Mexico, whose share ownership is limited to 49%. If in 1966 In Mexico, there were 12 enterprises of this type, which employed about 3 thousand people, but by the end of 1987. - already 1100 with more than 300 thousand people employed.
The largest private corporation is Alfa Industries S.A. Its liabilities amount to almost 69 billion pesos, assets - 111.5 billion. The group includes metallurgical, paper-making enterprises, synthetic fiber production plants, machine-building and petrochemical plants.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS
Foreign trade has always been of great importance in Mexico. It is one of the main sources of foreign currency, which is used to purchase equipment necessary for industrial development and raw materials. A characteristic feature of foreign trade turnover for a long time was the chronic excess of imports over exports.
The structure of imports indicates that the country buys mainly machinery, raw materials for industry, individual years food and consumer goods. In addition to the United States, major importers of Mexican products are Spain, Japan, Germany, Brazil and others.
In 1980 Exports increased to 15.3 billion dollars and 10 billion of them were oil. (see table No. 3)
CONCLUSION
Now the “Mexican model” is in crisis, as the country's economic success has proven extremely inconsistent. In particular, economic growth in Mexico has been accompanied by increased penetration of foreign capital. The dominant positions (about 60%) belong to US foreign capital, although last years the influx of capital investments from Western Europe and Japan. At the same time, Mexico is increasingly resorting to external loans and loans, although export revenues do not cover financial obligations.
With the help of petrodollars flowing into the country, the government hopes to make a rapid leap in economic development and also cope with unemployment. Mexico's external debt is $80 billion. Government debt payments alone absorb 70% of oil sales. This led to repeated devaluations of the peso.
At the end of 1982 There has been a change of government in Mexico. The new president, Meguel de la Madrid, announced that he sees his main task in strict austerity, the fight against inflation and unemployment.
As a result of the austerity measures taken, as well as restrictions on imports, in the first four months of 1983. Mexico had a trade surplus of more than $4 billion. The influx of tourists into the country also contributed to the growth in income.
In June 1983 The government unveiled the country's national development plan for 1983 - 1988. The main goal of this plan is to slow down inflation and ensure employment. Moreover, financing will rely more on internal reserves rather than on external loans. Currently in power is President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, who continues to implement the reforms of Miguel da la Madrid.
Table No. 1
Development of the manufacturing industry
in Latin America. (%)
Table No. 2
Per capita income in major Latin American countries.
(in US dollars, 1970 prices)
IMPORT
Diagram No. 1
Dynamics of direct investment in the Mexican economy
(millions of dollars)
LIST OF REFERENCES USED
Maksimenko L.N. “Mexico” - M.: Mysl, 1983.
Akdokushin E.F. “International Economic Relations” - UP. M. ICTs. Marketing-96
Denisova E.N. “From financial stabilization to economic growth: the experience of Latin American countries” - ME and MO - 96 No. 3
"International Economic Relations" ed. Liventseva N.N. M.: finance and statistics - 96.
Schrepler H.A. “International organizations” Directory M. International relations - 95
“Concise foreign economic dictionary-reference book” M.: International relations - 96.
For 300 years, Mexico was a raw material appendage and a sales market for Spain, which did not at all contribute to economic development. The War of Independence in 1821 brought, in addition to the desired freedom, instability and put the country at risk of ruin. The dictator Porfirio Diaz, who came to power in 1876, managed to do the incredible: by creating favorable financial conditions for foreign investors, he achieved unprecedented economic growth in the country. Foreigners began to develop natural resources, extract oil, build highways and railways, ports and power lines. During his reign (1876-1910), the average economic growth rate was 3.3% per year. The other side of the coin was that peasant communal lands (“ejidos”) were occupied by private landowners, and the local population had to either work on the plantations or collectively leave their places. As a result, a revolution broke out in 1910, Diaz was overthrown, the economy suffered losses, but the new government began to consistently pursue a policy of “Mexicanization,” that is, modernization of the economy in the national interests.
In the 1930s, President Lázaro Cárdenas expropriated foreign oil companies (which accounted for 90% of oil production), nationalized roads, carried out land reform, dividing large estates owned by foreigners among landless peasants, and most importantly, began to pursue a policy of import-substituting industrialization that encouraged domestic producers and limiting the share of foreign capital. In 1938, the state oil and gas company Petrdleos Mexicanos (Retech) was founded, which monopolized the entire industry. An economic boom began in the country, causing the whole world to talk about the “Mexican miracle.”
During World War II, Mexico sided with the anti-Hitler coalition and received financial and technological assistance from the United States, which allowed for the modernization of roads and enterprises. The war-related rise in world prices was favorable for the development of Mexican trade. After the war, both agricultural and industrial development continued. In the 1950s-60s, refineries were able to fully supply the country with petrochemical products, and in the 70s new fields were discovered in Tabasco, Chiapas and the Bay of Campeche. Mexico tripled its oil production and became one of the largest oil powers. However, in the early 1980s, a sharp drop in world oil prices led the country to default: Mexico was unable to pay on loans that came to the country as funds to solve other economic problems. USA and international financial organizations provided Mexico with an emergency loan, which saved the country from bankruptcy. A new model of economic development was launched, based on austerity policies, attracting foreign investment and privatization. In a new turn of the historical spiral, many enterprises again became the property of foreigners.
Even a quick glance at Mexico's economic map shows how unevenly developed the country is. Natural conditions and resource distribution play a decisive role in this. Mexico is a country of mountains and plateaus; more than half of its territory lies above 1000 m above sea level. The bulk of the economy is concentrated in the center of the country, in Monterrey and the Gulf Coast.
From default to prosperity
Towards the end of 1994, Mexico experienced the worst economic crisis in its history, but the country recovered within just 18 months, thanks to strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals and restructuring.In 1994, Mexico became a party to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), joining the United States and Canada. On January 1, 1994, the treaty came into force, and on the same day the uprising of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, opposing market liberalization and globalization, broke out in Mexico. Domestic political problems in 1994 led to an acute monetary and financial crisis, an outflow of capital from the country, an increase in the foreign trade deficit and a sharp drop in the exchange rate of the Mexican peso. As a result of the crisis, 20 thousand enterprises went bankrupt, 700 thousand people were left unemployed, and 50% of the population fell into poverty. An international credit package of $51.8 billion, formed mainly by the United States, the central banks of Europe and Japan, and the World Bank, helped to survive the crisis. Already at the end of 1995, the country began to rise rapidly, and by the end of 1999, economic growth reached 7%. President Ernesto Zedillo, followed by Vicente Fox, who was elected in 2000, continued the policy of liberalizing foreign trade, concluding agreements with Latin American countries, Europe, Japan and Israel. Thus, Mexico has become one of the most open countries in world trade. It was hardly affected by the South American crisis of 2002.
In 2006, trade with its two northern neighbors accounted for 50% of Mexico's exports and 45% of its imports.
According to 2007 IMF data, the country had the second-highest gross national income per capita in Latin America ($9,716) and the highest purchasing power parity (PPP) ($14,119).
In 2008, 16 Mexican companies were included in the annual Forbes Global 2000 ranking of the world's largest companies.
From 2000 to 2004, the number of poor people decreased from 24.2% to 17.6%. As of January 2009, 15% of the population lives on less than $10,000 a year, of which 4.6% do not have enough money to afford food.
Today, in terms of economic development, Mexico ranks 11th in the world. Industry and the service sector are developing rapidly, the percentage of private property is increasing, and competition is expanding. According to the forecasts of the largest commercial bank Goldman Sachs, by 2050 Mexico will be one of the five countries with the highest GDP (after China, the USA, India and Brazil).
The state has achieved unprecedented macroeconomic stability, creating a modern and diversified economy, but despite falling inflation to record lows, increasing per capita income and a steadily growing middle class, huge gaps remain between urban and rural residents, between rich and poor, between central , southern and northern states. The government's task is to update the infrastructure, modernize tax system and labor laws, reducing income inequality. Trade and financial dependence on the US is also a current economic problem.
$13,500 (2009). GDP by sector: agriculture - 4%, industry - 31%, services - 65% (2009).
Inflation: 3.6% (2009).
Natural resources: oil, natural gas, coal, iron, fluorine, copper, lead, zinc, phosphorites, silver, gold.
Main industries: petroleum, mining, shipbuilding, energy, food, alcohol, aerospace, electronics, tobacco, chemical, metallurgical (iron and steel), military, light, textile, automotive, consumer durables, information technology.
Agriculture: sugar cane, corn, wheat, barley, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruits, tomatoes; cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry; dairy products.
■ NAFTA - The North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico, which came into force in 1994, created the largest free trade area in the world.
■ Mexico has a well-developed transport infrastructure - 332,031 km of roads (of which 116,802 km are asphalt), 30,952 km of railway lines and 1,834 airports.
■ In 1967, the largest single distribution of land to peasants in the history of Mexico was carried out - 1 million hectares.
■ In 2008, Mexican scientists discovered a way to produce diamonds from ordinary tequila. This is facilitated by the ideal ratio of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. First, the tequila is brought to a gaseous state, and then the gas is heated to 800°C. Its molecular structure is destroyed, and as a result, diamond crystals with a size of 100-400 nm are formed, deposited as a thin film on the surface of silicon or stainless steel. Such films can be successfully used in the creation of optical-electronic devices, high-load semiconductors, for coating cutting tools, etc. Industrial production of such diamonds may begin as early as 2011, and tequila producers will have new markets.
N The new government took active steps to “Mexicanize” the economy. In the 1930s, President Lázaro Cárdenas nationalized the country's railroads, expropriated 17 foreign companies that controlled the oil industry, and implemented major land reform.
IN During World War II, the government began to create a domestic import substitution industry (ICI), a concept that spread widely throughout the Western Hemisphere as a result of the Great Depression. This strategy was built on the creation of protectionist barriers to encourage "nascent domestic industries" that would be able to produce goods that were previously purchased abroad. Other incentives for entrepreneurship development included tax benefits, low-interest loans, cheap electricity, a compliant trade union movement and the construction of a vast network of highways, railways, airports and communications facilities. This government policy caused an “economic miracle”, which manifested itself in high rates of economic growth (an average of 6-7% per year).