Economic impacts of inflation in Mexico and crime in Chile

In Mexico, annual general inflation reached 3.62% during the first half of October 2026, according to INEGI. Despite this, food prices continue to rise significantly, with fruits and vegetables increasing by 11.05% annually. The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) has maintained its reference interest rate at 6.50% as a cautious monetary policy measure. Economic specialists estimate annual inflation will close at 3.85% for 2026 and 3.82% for 2027. Rising costs in production inputs, such as sugar, poultry, and dairy, are being driven by Middle East energy market disruptions, extreme weather phenomena like El Niño, and international trade restrictions.

In Chile, a study by Clapes UC found that crime cost the country US$10.54 billion in 2025, representing 3.03% of its GDP. This is a 50% increase in economic impact relative to GDP compared to 2013. The private sector bore the majority of these costs, accounting for approximately US$8.2 billion. Notably, spending on private security grew nearly eightfold, rising from US$510 million in 2013 to US$4.067 billion in 2025. Additionally, US$1.571 billion was allocated to cybersecurity within the banking system and the National Cybersecurity Agency.