The maquiladora's changing geography

Abstract

A lack of data has limited our understanding of the distribution of maquiladora activity. Recently, Mexico's chief statistical agency provided previously unpublished information that will allow us to draw a more detailed portrait. ; We take a preliminary look at where specific maquiladora activities take place within Mexico. Then we examine changes in location since 1990, finding that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other trade pacts have been the most important factors reshaping patterns of maquiladora employment.Maquiladora ; Mexican-American Border Region - Economic conditions ; Economic conditions - Mexico ; Manufacturing industries ; Textile industry