Understanding the Colonial Economy: Mexico / NAFTA
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WEB QUEST

www.usmcoc.org/naftafor.html

www.usmcoc.org/eco1a.html

Use the web sites suggested above to gather data on the following:

• GDP figures for the United States and Mexico between 1993 and 1998
• Mexican exports to the United States in dollars between 1993 and 1998
• U.S. exports to Mexico in dollars between 1993-1998
• Exports from one US state to Mexico in dollars between 1993-1998 (State will be assigned by the teacher.)

After collecting this data, work with the members of your group to answer the questions below.

1. What is the annual trade surplus for Mexico in trading with the US since 1995?
2. What are the implications for Mexico?
3. Given the two way trade between the US and Mexico, what has been the percentage growth in trade between the two countries since the implementation of NAFTA?
4. How could this increase in trade affect job creation in Mexico?
5. In time, how might an increase in jobs affect wages and worker skills?
6. How would the reestablishment of trade barriers between Mexico and the United States affect the following: Mexico's economy, the US economy, the US consumer?

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