Election hits Mexican peso, Juarez economy

Mexico and our international economic ties have been one of the most talked about topics in this election, it has affected the economy in Cd. Juarez.

“During the day we have seen a drop in our sales with the American, with people who cross over,” said Sergio Peña, the owner of the Kentucky Club, a bar in downtown Juarez frequented by Americans.

That’s despite the fact that the American dollar can now buy nearly twice as much as it could only a few years ago, the peso slowly losing value as uncertainty over international trade looms, but election rhetoric is keeping some Americans on the north side of the river.

“A lot of people are scared, for what people put in people’s minds. Saying it’s dangerous, that Mexicans are dangerous,” said Isai Sandoval, who is visiting from Odessa.

But those with strong ties to Juarez will never stop coming over.

“Me, personally, I haven’t been affected. I have family here so I come see my family,” Sandoval said.

It still doesn’t compare to the crowds of Americans who would normally come to the historic downtown bar. Those who do are taking full advantage of the weakened Mexican economy.

“As the peso has been losing its value we have seen more people exchanging the dollar to pesos because you get more,” Peña said.

As the election grows ever closer the peso has stabilized, but it’s future is murky, at least until Tuesday night.

“We’re hoping, and we would like to have more of our clientele from El Paso and Las Cruces to come and visit us,” Peña said.