MEXICO CITY, August 21 – Informal street vending in Mexico City has experienced a dramatic increase of between 20% and 50% in various zones following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to specialists. This phenomenon, driven by economic and humanitarian crises, has transformed the urban landscape and raised concerns among citizens and formal businesses.
The Scale of Informal Commerce
While official records indicate over 80,600 registered street vendors in Mexico City’s Public Road Trade System, experts estimate the actual number of individuals working on the streets to be more than 200,000. Data from INEGI between 2020 and 2024 shows a consistent rise in informal commercial activity, representing 22% to 25% of the total occupation.
According to specialists, the pandemic exacerbated existing economic vulnerabilities, pushing more people into informal work. “I believe it is a symptom that the system has not allowed everyone to prosper, to have a formal, well-paid job with guarantees,” stated an expert, highlighting the systemic issues underlying the surge in informal vending.
Reactive Authority and Partial Clearances
Authorities have been criticized for a reactive rather than proactive approach to the issue. This past Saturday, Mexico City authorities conducted a partial clearance of street vendors from Alameda Central and the esplanade of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. While these areas were temporarily cleared, the problem persists and multiplies in other key locations.
Reports from citizens and formal businesses frequently cite concerns about the occupation of public spaces, including issues such as rodent infestations, and the emergence of
