Boston University Global Development Policy Center

Trade relations between the 🇺🇸US, 🇲🇽Mexico and 🇨🇦Canada are entering a new phase as the countries engage in a review following the US decision not to renew the #USMCA in its current form. @Thrasher_Rachel explains why this period is especially important for Mexico, as the country simultaneously pursues its domestic development goals in #PlanMéxico while navigating trade negotiations with its major partners. ▶️Watch the full video: youtube.com/watch?v=6HgnJb…

The US’s decision on July 1 to not renew the current #USMCA trade agreement means negotiations will continue until a new deal is reached. A new working paper from @Thrasher_Rachel analyzes what this means for #Mexico, and explores the extent to which Mexico’s trade commitments can encourage or constrain the economic and development goals outlined in Plan México. Read the full paper ➡️ gdpcenter.org/PlanMexico

Among the major development projects of the last century, one of the largest and most successful was in Europe. In the latest installment of our blog series, "International Investment Pushes Past and Present", @TimH_B explores how the EU helped accelerate growth among its less-developed members through its Cohesion Policy. As the world grapples with ways to mobilize investments in sustainable development, this historical case study outlines how large-scale international investment has succeeded, and how it can be translated into development approaches in other settings. Read the full blog➡️ gdpcenter.org/IIPPP4

“The concise format and accessible writing make the book perfect for undergraduate and graduate courses that address China and the global financial system.” Global Policy Journal just published Irene Grabel’s (@UofDenver) book review 📚 of “China and the Global Economic Order” by Senior Fellow Gregory T. Chin and GDP Center Director @KevinPGallagher. Grabel synthesizes the authors’ arguments regarding China’s ascension within and outside of the Bretton Woods Institutions with her own views on China’s potential to reshape global economic governance. Explore the book review: globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/29/06/202…

"From Resource Curse to Renewable Futures?" by Julie Radomski, Rebecca Ray, Cynthia Sanborn and Sergio Serrano is part of a paper series co-produced by CECHAP and the @GDP_Center

In the years leading up to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, how did China increase energy production capacity in Asia? In a new blog, GDP Center Data Analyst William Olichney highlights that even though China has shifted much of its financing in Asia towards renewable energy since 2020, these projects are mostly driven by commercial incentives rather than policy objectives. Asia requires a more proactive approach in policy response to strengthen its energy resilience. Read more: bu.edu/gdp/2026/07/06…

“Despite using the same tech in Mexico, US, and Canada, Mexican wages are a fraction of their northern counterparts’, and employers capture a disproportionate share of the value-added.” Sandra Polaski and @Thrasher_Rachel of @GDP_Center. phenomenalworld.org/analysis/a-bet…

.@rishirbhandary, Research Director for the Task Force on Climate, Development and the International Financial Architecture and Senior Academic Researcher, reacts to the @WorldBankGroup's announcement that its Climate Change Action Plan will be extended and undergo an evaluation by the Bank's Independent Evaluation Group ⬇️ Read the Task Force's recommendations for a stronger CCAP: gdpcenter.org/44vCjGn

Tomorrow, July 1, marks the official start of the #USMCA joint review process, and the stakes are high for Mexico🇲🇽. New commentary by @Thrasher_Rachel and Sandra Polaski 🔗 their recent research on the intersection between the USMCA review and Mexico's domestic policy priorities. They argue that "the review provides a key opportunity for the Sheinbaum administration, which is committed to a more inclusive development path that involves reducing the current high levels of poverty and inequality." Read more in @phenomenalworld: bit.ly/4fg6DKr

What do these findings mean for #Mexico heading into the #USMCA review? While acknowledging that Mexico faces an unpredictable negotiating context, @Thrasher_Rachel recommends the country prioritize 1️⃣ keeping existing carve-outs for #PlanMéxico policies in the USMCA and 2️⃣ eliminating #ISDS for foreign investors. Together, these objectives will help preserve and expand policy space for Mexico's industrial and sustainable development goals. Read the paper in English or Spanish: gdpcenter.org/4uQkRao

⚡️ Another potential challenge to #PlanMéxico could arise from the risk of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) in Mexico's energy sector.

🗓️ July 1 marks the 6th anniversary of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) taking effect. Next month also marks the start of a joint review process to assess the trade pact's performance and continuation with all three countries. New research by @Thrasher_Rachel explores the extent to which Mexico’s trade commitments, especially within the existing #USMCA text, could encourage or constrain the country's industrial development goals. 🧵 Follow along for key insights from the research ⬇️ Read the full paper available in both English and Spanish ➡️ gdpcenter.org/4uQkRao

🌐🏦 The @WorldBankGroup's Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) is set to expire at the end of this month and views between shareholders are divided on the plan's future. In a new blog from the Task Force on Climate, Development and the International Financial Architecture, @rishirbhandary, Marilou Uy and @IreMonasterolo argue the question should not be whether a CCAP is needed, but how it can be improved. Read more: gdpcenter.org/44vCjGn

📄✍️ With the three parties to the #USMCA due to conduct the first joint review of the trade pact starting July 1, 🇲🇽Mexico faces a unique situation as it implements its economy-wide industrial policy strategy, #PlanMéxico. In a new working paper, @Thrasher_Rachel considers the extent to which Mexico’s trade commitments, especially within the USMCA, encourage or constrain the policies in Plan México as well as additional policies needed for equitable and sustainable economic development. Read more: gdpcenter.org/4uQkRao

What do China’s latest Africa commitments look like in the numbers? New @GDP_Center and @AERCAFRICA maps the data behind the commitments. chinaglobalsouth.com/analysis/china…

🌱 How can critical mineral suppliers align mineral wealth with development goals? A series of working papers from @Cechap_Up and the GDP Center explores the relationship between 🌎Latin America and 🇨🇳China in the context of the energy transition. While previous raw material booms delivered few benefits for local communities, the energy transition presents an opportunity for partnerships between Latin American countries and Chinese firms to drive sustained and inclusive development. Explore the working paper series: bit.ly/4aWhsj8