The gains to Mexico were always hard to estimate because it has such a terrible political system. How do you define the counterfactual in a left-wing crony capitalist state
NAFTA took effect in 1994 during the Clinton administration although he had to rely on support from the Republicans in the House – 60% of congressional Democrats voted against NAFTA. NAFTA got rid of tariffs on more than half of its members’ industrial products and by 2009 the deal eliminated tariffs on all industrial and agricultural goods.
Positives of NAFTA
- American corporates believed the deal would cut labour costs and therefore increase efficiency and international competitiveness.
- American consumer would also benefit from lower prices.
- It would raise Mexico’s living standards especially in the north.
- Trade between the USA and Mexico has risen 1.3% in 1994 to 2.5% in 2015
- Mexico’s real income has risen – $10,000 in 1994 to $19000 in 2015
- Less Mexicans are migrating to the USA – 500,000 a year to virtually nothing.
Criticisms
Mexican incomes are no better, as a share of those in the US…
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Utopia, you are standing in it! 
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