**Employment Opportunities in Tijuana’s Maquiladoras Expected to Surge by January**
The industrial sector in Tijuana is anticipating a significant resurgence in job opportunities within the maquiladora industry beginning in January, following the recent elections in the United States. According to Noé Morales, director of the employment organization Empleo Nuevo, several factors will contribute to this growth. The rise of the dollar against the peso, the end of an unofficial recession in the U.S., and the typical increase in production at the beginning of the year are all expected to play supportive roles.
Currently, the Tijuana industrial sector reports a loss of 16,000 jobs throughout 2024, attributed in part to economic uncertainties. However, Morales remains optimistic about the future, noting, “We are confident now that we know who the presidents of Mexico and the United States are; we’ve reached a low point, and the exchange rate is favorable, so we have no choice but to aim for growth.”
The federal government’s initiatives, such as salary increases and doubled holiday bonuses, will be offset by the dollar-peso exchange rate, anticipated to stabilize between 20 and 21 pesos. Obdulia Rodríguez Sánchez, president of the Association of Human Resources of the Industry in Tijuana (Arhitac), mentioned that the employment offer experienced a 30% contraction this year. Still, she predicts a more promising outlook in January as new projects emerge and the political situation clarifies.
Morales also addressed concerns about potential increased tariffs on Mexican-manufactured products by the incoming U.S. administration. He believes such measures could negatively impact the U.S. economy, given the significant ownership of automotive manufacturing plants by American companies.
As Tijuana’s maquiladora industry looks toward future growth, several inspection initiatives are underway due to recent safety incidents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
**Additional Updates on Tijuana’s Maquiladora Sector**
In recent developments, inspections have increased in Tijuana’s maquiladoras following a notable incident at Prime Wheel. These inspections, overseen by various regulatory bodies like the STPS and the Secretariat of the Environment and Sustainable Development, aim to enhance workplace safety and environmental compliance.
Simultaneously, Prime Wheel has partially resumed operations after paying fines related to past violations. The acknowledgment of independent unions within Tijuana’s maquiladora sector remains a contentious issue, with discussions ongoing among academic and activist groups.
In another local update, a module has been established in Tecate to expedite the regularization of “chocolate” cars, supporting the regional automotive industry and economy. These local initiatives are vital steps towards maintaining and boosting economic activity in Tijuana during this period of transition and anticipated recovery.