A few days ago, the results of the State Economic Activity Quarterly Indicator (ITAEE) were released, one of the main tools used to measure the performance of state economies. In the case of Aguascalientes, the data confirms a trend that was already anticipated, but that remains concerning: economic activity registered an annual decline of 1.3% and a decrease of 0.2% compared with the previous quarter.
Beyond the specific figure, the most important aspect is the trend. The state has accumulated three consecutive quarters of quarterly declines and two periods with annual decreases. Talking about a recession would still be premature; however, this is clearly a warning sign that decision-makers should not overlook.
When breaking down the information, the situation becomes even more revealing. Secondary activities, where a large part of the state’s manufacturing industry is concentrated, recorded an annual decrease of 5.3%, while primary activities fell by 2.6%. As a result, Aguascalientes ranked among the states with the greatest economic contraction in the country, placing eighth nationally in terms of economic activity decline.
It is noteworthy that, while states such as San Luis Potosí and Jalisco show a similar trajectory, other members of the Bajío region, such as Guanajuato and Querétaro, managed to achieve growth during the same period. This comparison raises an inevitable question: What are our neighboring states doing differently, and what is Aguascalientes lacking?
The answer is not simple, but it does point toward the need to strengthen the state’s productive structure. For decades, Aguascalientes built an economy highly specialized in the automotive industry. This model generated employment, investment, and prosperity, but today it faces an international environment marked by commercial uncertainty, manufacturing slowdown, and the restructuring of global value chains.
For this reason, perhaps the time has come to take a stronger look at the transformation industry. It is not enough to simply assemble products; it is essential to add value, develop local suppliers, promote advanced manufacturing, and diversify the industrial base. Transforming raw materials into goods with greater technological content represents an opportunity to strengthen the state’s economic resilience.
At the same time, countercyclical policies become especially important. Investment in public infrastructure can become a temporary driver to sustain employment, stimulate domestic demand, and improve long-term competitiveness. During periods of economic slowdown, inaction is often more costly than strategic action.
This is not about dismissing the efforts currently being made by state authorities to attract investment and maintain economic momentum. On the contrary, the international context requires recognizing that today’s challenges are different from those of only a few years ago. In an economy defined by uncertainty, strategies that worked in the past are no longer enough.
So, no, it is not just a perception if you feel that the economy is moving at a slower pace. The indicators confirm it. The difference between a temporary slowdown and a structural problem will depend, to a large extent, on the decisions made today.
Source: binoticias
