The Great Wall of Mexico
Let’s be clear, this isn’t some minor diplomatic spat. This is a fundamental reversal of policy. Suddenly, Chinese cars, steel, and furniture are no longer the cheap-as-chips alternatives they once were. The government calls it a move to shield local industry from unfair competition. I call it what it is, a massive, state-sponsored leg-up for domestic companies. It’s a calculated gamble to give Mexican businesses the breathing room they’ve been crying out for, a chance to grab back market share from rivals who, until now, have been playing on a very different field.
The question, of course, is whether they will use this opportunity to get fit, or just get fat. Protectionism is a powerful drug. It can nurture a fledgling industry, but it can also create lazy monopolies that have no incentive to innovate.