Mexico is experiencing historically low levels of working poverty, according to Finance and Public Credit Secretary Édgar Amador Zamora. Speaking at the June 10, 2026, Right of Reply press conference led by Legal Counsel Luisa María Alcalde Luján, Amador emphasized that the country’s economic model is delivering tangible benefits for Mexican families, workers, and young people.
He highlighted that working poverty fell to 30.7 percent during the first quarter of 2026, the lowest level ever recorded in Mexico. Amador argued that these are the indicators that matter most because they directly reflect the well-being of ordinary citizens rather than only broad economic variables.
“We are at historic lows. Never before has working poverty been this low in Mexico,” he said. “These are the indicators we must communicate because they relate to people, families, young people, workers, and working women and men across the country. Beyond the major economic variables that we must certainly monitor, this demonstrates that the model is working for those it is intended to serve: the Mexican people.”
Responding to criticism that investment in Mexico has stagnated, Amador rejected what he described as a false narrative and pointed to a strong government strategy centered on a new Investment Law. According to the finance secretary, the legislation will accelerate both public and mixed public-private investment during the second half of 2026.
Amador outlined a series of economic achievements that he said demonstrate the strength of Mexico’s economy. He noted that the country has experienced a historic recovery in purchasing power. In 2026, the general minimum wage increased by 13 percent to 315 pesos per day. Since 2018, its purchasing power has risen by more than 150 percent, significantly improving labor income for lower-income households without creating widespread inflationary pressures.
He also stated that workers are receiving a larger share of national income. Rising employment and wages increased labor compensation to 30.5 percent of GDP in 2025, the highest level on record.
Mexico continues to maintain one of the strongest labor markets among OECD countries. The unemployment rate stood at 2.6 percent in April 2026, one of the lowest rates in the organization, placing Mexico second among member nations in the OECD’s most recent ranking.
The government has also sought to protect household purchasing power from rising international energy prices. Measures implemented during 2026 helped cushion the impact of higher fuel costs on families, transportation, and inflation.
Regarding inflation, Amador said that after temporary pressures driven mainly by certain agricultural products, inflation returned to the target range established by the Bank of Mexico. In May 2026, inflation fell to 3.94 percent and has remained within the central bank’s variability range for most of the period since 2025.
He further emphasized Mexico’s competitive position in the U.S. market. Effective tariff rates on Mexican exports remain below the global average, helping preserve the country’s competitiveness in its most important export destination.
Exports reached record levels at the beginning of 2026, driven by North American production integration and Mexico’s growing participation in higher-value-added industries. During the first months of the year, Mexico also strengthened its position as the United States’ leading trading partner, accounting for a record 16.9 percent share of U.S. imports.
Beyond its leadership in the automotive sector, Mexico continues to expand its presence in technology-intensive industries such as computer equipment and electronics, reinforcing its role in global value chains.
Investor confidence remains strong as well. Foreign direct investment reached a record high for a first quarter, underscoring Mexico’s attractiveness as a destination for long-term productive investment projects.
Amador also pointed to the strength of the Mexican peso, which appreciated significantly during the first months of 2026 due to solid macroeconomic fundamentals and confidence from both domestic and foreign investors. Financial indicators, he said, show a decline in perceived risk toward Mexico and lower exchange-rate volatility despite a challenging international environment.
Finally, he stressed that Mexico continues to maintain sustainable public finances and a contained level of public debt, reinforcing the country’s overall macroeconomic stability.
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