Publications

The debate over the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market has resurfaced. Despite continued job creation, AI-exposed sectors such as ICT are undergoing adjustments that may reflect post-pandemic normalization and task reallocation rather than technological unemployment.

The economy of Extremadura maintains solid growth backed by job creation in public services, domestic consumption, and tourist arrivals. The agrifood sector faces challenges due to drops in exports of processed goods, geopolitical pressures, and productivity stagnation.

Social Security affiliation increased by 223,700 people and unemployment fell by 62,700. Adjusting for seasonal factors, job creation is estimated to have reached 56,000 contributors, while unemployment decreased by 17,000. No effects from the extraordinary regularization process are yet visible in labor market records.

Labor participation has rebounded since 2020, driven by cyclical factors, immigration, and higher educational levels. However, this improvement is temporary and masks the structural trend resulting from population aging.

Employment grew by 0.4% quarterly SA (2.4% YoY), four tenths less than in the fourth quarter of 2025. Hours worked also slowed down, while the active population rebounded and the unemployment rate stagnated at 10.2% SA.

Mexico’s formal employment began 2026 with weak growth, affected by low investment and business closures, particularly among SMEs. Informality is rising, while services support job creation and regional and sectoral disparities persist.

Mexico’s economy grew just 0.6% in 2025. A 1.3% drop in secondary activities was partly offset by gains in the primary sector (4.2%) and services (1.5%). The report analyzes the 46.8% surge in computer and electronics exports and the 13 Economic Development Poles (Polos de Desarrollo Económico para el Bienestar).