The closure of businesses and reduced commercial activity in Matamoros are linked to job losses in sectors such as agriculture and the maquiladora industry, which has reduced the economic activity circulating locally. The president of Canaco, Abraham Rodríguez Padrón, estimated a deficit of nearly 20,000 jobs due to factors such as drought, a lack of support for agriculture, layoffs, automation, companies relocating, and labor disputes.
What factors are contributing to job losses in Matamoros?
He explained that the loss of these jobs represents an estimated 260 million pesos being removed from Matamoros’ economy every month, an impact that is reflected primarily in the retail and services sectors. He also estimated that approximately 10 percent of registered businesses in the city, around 430 establishments, may have stopped operating, mainly small family-owned businesses.
Impact of business closures on the local economy
Rodríguez Padrón noted that the lack of investment also limits the creation of new jobs because commerce depends directly on household consumption and activity in productive sectors. Given this situation, he considered that the border region has a growth opportunity through projected investments in South Texas, particularly in infrastructure, industry, and projects related to SpaceX.
Investment opportunities in Matamoros and Brownsville
The business leader proposed strengthening economic coordination between Matamoros and Brownsville, considering that both cities form part of the same labor market. He said that greater integration would make it possible to take advantage of Matamoros’ talent and workforce to meet the demand generated in Brownsville and other areas of the Rio Grande Valley, while allowing workers to continue living in the city.
He considered that a joint strategy between the two cities could become an alternative for recovering jobs, attracting economic activity, and strengthening commercial activity in Matamoros and throughout the border region.
Source: elmanana
