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Explaining Free Trade: Mexico, 1985–1988

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Patrick Cronin
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Abstract

This study examines Mexico's unilateral trade liberalization experience from 1985 to 1988. It traces the origins of policy change to officials in the Central Bank, who took advantage of periodic economic crises to pursue their agenda. Opposing them were bureaucrats tied to an industrial sector that also objected to substantial trade liberalization. Mexico's institutional structures influenced the balance of bargaining power as reform supporters and opponents bitterly fought to define the scope, depth, and timing of the implementation process. Successful implementation led to the emergence of business interests in favor of free trade—interests that would provide crucial backing for the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Type
Research
Information
Latin American Politics and Society , Volume 45 , Issue 4 , Winter 2003 , pp. 63 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © University of Miami 2003

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