Catch-up Growth Followed by Stagnation: Mexico, 1950-2010

Timothy J. Kehoe ^[1] ; Felipe Meza ^[2]
1. [1] University of Minnesota
  
  University of Minnesota
  
  City of Minneapolis, Estados Unidos
2. [2] Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México
  
  Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México
  
  México
Localización: Latin American Journal of Economics: formerly Cuadernos de Economía, ISSN-e 0719-0433, Vol. 48, Nº. 2, 2011, págs. 227-268
Idioma: inglés
Enlaces
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Resumen
- In 1950 Mexico entered an economic takeoff and grew rapidly for more than 30 years. Growth stopped during the crises of 1982-1995, despite major reforms, including liberalization of foreign trade and investment. Since then growth has been modest. We analyze the economic history of Mexico 1877-2010. We conclude that the growth 1950-1981 was driven by urbanization, industrialization, and education and that Mexico would have grown even more rapidly if trade and investment had been liberalized sooner. If Mexico is to resume rapid growth—so that it can approach U.S. levels of income—it needs further reforms.