The most recent results of the Mexican economy show that Mexico's GDP stagnated during the first quarter of the year, moving the country away from an early recovery of productive activity. the first quarter of the year, moving the country away from an early recovery in productive activity. Without However, the results for the month of March and April in different sectors, as well as the progress in vaccination in both Mexico and the U.S. in both Mexico and the U.S., give the industrial sector a glimpse of a slight optimism for the following months of the year. the following months of the year, and with this, to advance in the recovery that the country needs.

Specifically, Mexico's GDP for the first quarter of 2021 registered practically zero growth of 0.41TP3Q quarterly growth of 0.41 q/q quarterly Q3GDP according to INEGI's timely figures. This contrasts with the 6.41 of 6.4% recorded by the U.S. during the same period. In addition, domestic manufacturing during January and February fell by 2.7%.

However, in March, various sectors and variables showed an upturn that encouraged economic activity, which, if the positive trend is consolidated, would mark a significant increase for the year as a whole. economic activity which, if a positive trend were to consolidate, would mark a significant upswing for Mexico, especially in manufacturing. Mexico, mainly manufacturing. Among these positive signs we highlight in March:

- Growth of close to 10% in Mexican exports.

- The 12.5% increase in light vehicle production.

- The 3.9% increase in department store sales.

- The upward trend in consumer and producer confidence.

In the case of Nuevo Leon, recent figures show that the state's economy contracted by 8.7% during 2020. 8.7% during 2020. In addition, the data shows that it also had a complicated first quarter, but trended upward in March and April. For example, the state's total exports contracted by 2.9% during 2020. contracted by 2.9% in February, but manufacturing jobs during the first quarter of 2021 were the highest on record.

Although activity seems to be recovering, the trend is still fragile and depends to a large extent on events abroad. on what happens abroad. As a country, we must strengthen this dynamic with a business environment that is favorable to economic activity, with clear rules and without additional regulatory burdens on the part of the favorable for economic activity, with clear rules and without additional regulatory burdens from the authorities. authorities. Unfortunately, this situation is not occurring, putting the recovery at risk. recovery. We call on the authorities to help the country's economic recovery to recover the lost jobs and give more value to the current ones.

CAINTRA NUEVO LEÓN