Evolución y expresión territorial de la industria petroquírnica en Mexico

Abstract

The evolution of the Mexican petrochemical industry has been marked by the historical conditions in the country Since its origins, this industry was characterized by a technological and economical dependence from foreign countries The strategic nature of its processes in the international arena determined the participation of the major enterprises in this sector, according to their own plans; in turn, this was a key factor for the development of industrial policies and regional development strategies promoted by the government from the 60´s to early 80´s, aimed at strengthening the country´s production plant and reorienting its location to those areas with the highest potential. Spaces having competitive advantages were incorporated to the petrochemical process, becoming economically linked with each other as a result of their manufacturing specialization. Nevertheless, the financial crisis in Mexico, the fluctuations in oil prices and the trade deregulation in this sector since the 80´s, altogether facilitated the existence of a new regulatory framework favouring foreign investment, which eliminated the possibility to use the advantages of this prioritary and lucrative sector for the productive-territorial articulation.