As anticipated in the last MAPI report, the export-oriented car-making industry was the growth engine in Mexico, but there is now strong evidence of broader-based manufacturing growth. It is estimated that this broad-based expansion across Mexico's industrial supply chain will continue in 2015. In Brazil, plummeting motor vehicles manufacturing dragged down growth across the country's industrial complex, with few exceptions. Similarly, Argentina's manufacturing weakness is explained by a sharp retreat in car production, as domestic sales and exports to Brazil continue to decline.

The MAPI Foundation's Latin America manufacturing index is expected to rise a modest 1.8 percent in 2015 (a downward revision from the previous forecast of 2.1 percent). There is confidence that Mexico will remain the manufacturing growth leader in the region. Demand from U.S. factories will fuel manufacturing growth in Mexico, although homegrown political factors will put a ceiling on Mexico’s expansion. Weak manufacturing expansion at best is forecast for Brazil at best and a moderate manufacturing recession is seen in Argentina.

Source: MAPI Foundation