They probably wish they did...

Will Mexico Block China From the WTO? I just stumbled across this article from back in 2001. As we all know, China did enter the World Trade Organization, but that doesn't mean that Mexico's fears of Chinese imports were ill-founded. In the next two years, as our southern neighbor is forced to drastically reduce its tariffs on Chinese goods, we can expect to see some interesting shifts in North American markets.

The good news for Mexican industry is that their proximity to the U.S. market will provide their manufacturing sector with some degree of security, despite wages four times as high as Chinese laborers. Industries that require rapid turn around and the ability to reach the market in days--rather than weeks--will continue to prosper south of the border. Less time-sensitive industries will flounder in Meixco. Chinese goods will not only force them out of the U.S. market, but also domestic ones.

It takes considerable expertise to tap Latin American markets for Chinese goods, but a well- positioned player stands to benefit in 2006 when Mexico lifts its tariffs. Now's the time to get moving...

Mexico vs. China: here and here.