Mexico More Vulnerable to AI Job Losses Than U.S., New Study Finds

Mexico More Vulnerable to AI Job Losses Than U.S., New Study Finds

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an undeniable force in shaping the future of the global workforce, and its most significant consequences are already setting off alarms.

A new study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reveals that in just one year, 43 million jobs in the United States and 16 million jobs in Mexico will be impacted by AI. Over the next decade, the numbers rise to 70 million and 26 million, respectively. The study does not predict a complete loss of jobs but highlights the vulnerability of many occupations, calling for swift and strategic responses.

Jobs in Mexico May Get Threatened by AI

According to the AI-Generated Index of Occupational Exposure, developed by the IDB, AI will influence 28 percent of the global workforce in the coming year, a figure that climbs to 44 percent over the next decade. Chief economist at the IDB, Eric Parrado, who co-authored the index, stresses that these estimates highlight an urgent need for action. “This is an industrial revolution that is growing exponentially. We must make adjustments quickly, and that’s why we are carrying out this research — to send a message of caution,” he says as reported by El Pais.

Parrado points to education and retraining as crucial strategies for mitigating AI’s impact on jobs. He advocates for significant investment in programs that develop skills in areas complementary to AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Parrado explains that job replacement does not necessarily mean a decline in employment but rather a shift. “We are optimistic. Technological change will raise productivity. There will be opportunities to create new occupations,” he adds. History, after all, has shown that technological shocks tend to adjust labor markets rather than decimate them.

What Else Does the Study Say?

The study makes clear that certain demographics, particularly women, are disproportionately vulnerable to AI-driven changes. In both the United States and Mexico, women, especially those in administrative and service roles, are more likely to be affected by task automation than men. The report estimates that 40 percent of women will experience AI-related disruptions in their jobs, compared to 38 percent of men.

In addition to gender, education, and socioeconomic status play pivotal roles in AI vulnerability. Workers with lower education levels and those in low-skilled jobs face the greatest threats from AI-driven changes. While lower-income workers in the United States will bear the brunt of these disruptions, in Mexico, both working-class and middle-class jobs will be equally affected. This disparity could deepen existing global inequalities, a scenario Parrado warns could unfold unless action is taken promptly.

Interestingly, not all professions face the same level of risk. The index differentiates between tasks within each job, revealing that some roles within the same industry are more susceptible to AI. For example, in healthcare, radiologists are more likely to be replaced than psychologists, nurses, or surgeons. Positions tied to sports, teaching, and firefighting are among those less vulnerable to AI disruption. The study’s goal is not only to shed light on these vulnerabilities but also to guide public and private policy in responding to AI’s sweeping changes. Parrado suggests that governments bolster social safety nets, implement stronger employment insurance, and support workers during the transition to this new labor landscape.

One area the study has yet to fully analyze is AI’s potential impact on racial and ethnic groups. While no specific data is available, Parrado notes that the Black and Latino communities, who tend to occupy a larger proportion of low-income jobs, are likely to be more affected by the rise of AI. This observation adds another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.

As AI continues to reshape the global economy, the index aims to serve as a wake-up call, urging swift responses to ensure that technological advancements benefit, rather than harm, workers.

For Image credit or remove please email for immediate removal - info@belatina.com