This system was meant to effectively close off the economy from international trade in order to protect local industries. This system allowed the government's great control over the economy. This system worked well because both Venezuela and Mexico had over areas (such as oil and trade with US) which provided them with large amounts of wealth. Venezuela's economy depended greatly on oil exports; nearly 80% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came from oil sales. During the 70's Venezuela enjoyed great profits due to the relatively high oil prices. Mexico's economy also prospered due to the relative prosperity of the United States economy and its close relationship with the United States. Just as Venezuela with oil, nearly 80% of Mexico's exports went directly to the US.
Without these large income sources Mexico and Venezuela were both unable to maintain economic prosperity under the ISI system. The collapse of oil prices in the early 80's caused Venezuela's economy to fall into a deep recession. With the loss of oil as a source of income that government had to rely on its industry. Mexico also dealt with similar problems. The fall of oil prices also hurt their economy, but it was the economic .
Gittings 3.
fallout in the United States that really hurt Mexico. Due to this close interdependency the fall of the United States economy in the 80's, while mild, meant that Mexico's fall was much worse. It is here that the troubles with ISI became clear. The years of protection that ISI had provided to industry meant that, compared to the rest of the world, Mexico's and Venezuela's manufacturing was inefficient and could not turn substantial profits. This also meant that both countries had to import a much greater amount of products than they were exporting. This loss in revenues and rise in costs caused a great debt problem in both Mexico and Venezuela. .
This major shift in economic prosperity meant that each government had to take immediate action in order to uphold their economies and maintain the support of the people.