In boardrooms across North America, one challenge unites executives: uncertainty. From volatile oil and gas prices to fluctuating currencies and political shifts, the global economy has become harder than ever to predict. In this environment, success depends on making faster, smarter, data-driven decisions.
That’s precisely where HARBOR Economics, a Mexico-based firm with more than 40 years of experience, comes in. Led by CEO Lucía Garza, HARBOR has earned a reputation as a trusted source of economic, energy, and market intelligence—helping companies on both sides of the border transform uncertainty into opportunity.
The Value of Intelligence in a Volatile World
HARBOR was founded with a simple yet ambitious mission: give companies the tools to navigate complex markets with clarity and confidence. Over the decades, the firm has grown into one of Mexico’s most respected providers of economic intelligence, working with more than 60 clients, many of them industry leaders.
Its offerings span the spectrum of decision-making needs:
- Economic Intelligence and Macro Scenarios. HARBOR builds alternative economic forecasts grounded in econometrics, statistics, and fundamental analysis, providing a roadmap for executives facing unpredictable shifts in demand, prices, or policy.
- Currency Monitoring. For companies managing imports, exports, or supply chains across borders, currency swings can be game-changing. HARBOR offers sophisticated MXN/USD forecasts and buy/sell strategies that help safeguard margins.
- State-Level Outlooks. Unlike many firms that stop at national data, HARBOR drills down to Mexico’s 32 states—providing localized projections for GDP, employment, production, and retail sales. This granularity is invaluable for U.S. companies with manufacturing hubs or investments in specific regions.
- Energy Intelligence. With energy costs shaping competitiveness, HARBOR tracks oil, gas, and electricity markets and integrates those scenarios into actionable business strategies.
- Custom Models and AI Solutions. One of the firm’s defining strengths is its ability to tailor econometric and AI-driven models to each client, quantifying the impact of specific variables—whether sales, demand, or sector dynamics.
- Executive Advisory and Conferences. Beyond data, HARBOR’s experts engage directly with leadership teams, interpreting risks and strategies in workshops, events, and private consultations.
The firm’s longevity and client loyalty signal something rare in consulting: consistency. As Garza puts it, “Our clients stay because our insights don’t just explain the world—they help shape decisions that deliver results.”
The Leadership of Lucía Garza
At the helm of HARBOR is Lucía Garza, a CEO whose blend of analytical rigor and business pragmatism defines the company’s culture. Trained in market research and strategy, Garza brings a data-driven mindset to the executive table, ensuring that HARBOR’s models are not just theoretically sound but also actionable.
Colleagues and clients describe her as a leader who bridges two worlds: the precision of quantitative analysis and the real-world needs of executives making high-stakes decisions. Under her leadership, HARBOR has modernized its offerings, integrating artificial intelligence and expanding its cross-border advisory services.
Her ascent to the CEO role also underscores a broader shift in Latin America’s business landscape, where women leaders are taking on increasingly visible roles in economics, energy, and finance.
What Sets HARBOR Apart
In a competitive field dominated by global consulting giants, HARBOR has carved out a niche through several differentiators:
- Proven Track Record. Four decades in business and 30 years of econometric modeling experience give HARBOR credibility few boutique firms can match.
- Boutique Precision. While large firms often deliver standardized models, HARBOR prides itself on customization, designing solutions unique to each client.
- Local Depth. Its state-level coverage of Mexico is a rare capability, offering insights into regional variations that matter for site selection, workforce planning, and supply chains.
- Energy + Macro Integration. By combining macroeconomic and energy intelligence, HARBOR delivers a more holistic view of competitiveness—essential for industries from manufacturing to retail.
- Clear Communication. Reports are designed to be objective, concise, and “digerible”—or digestible—for executives who need clarity, not complexity.
- Loyal Partnerships. Multi-decade client relationships are a testament to consistent value and trust.
Why the U.S. Should Pay Attention
While HARBOR has built its reputation in Mexico, the opportunities in the U.S. market are undeniable. American companies with exposure to Mexico—whether through manufacturing, exports, or energy—face daily challenges that HARBOR is uniquely positioned to address.
Consider:
- Cross-Border Forecasting. U.S. firms increasingly need accurate projections of Mexico’s economic performance within a global context.
- Currency Strategies. Volatile peso-dollar movements require sophisticated hedging strategies—something HARBOR has refined over decades.
- Regulatory and Policy Risk. As energy reforms and industrial policies evolve, companies benefit from tailored risk assessments and scenario planning.
- Bilingual, Binational Insights. HARBOR delivers analysis in both English and Spanish, bridging a critical communication gap for multinational teams.
- Executive Education. Workshops and conferences can help U.S. leadership teams better understand Mexico as an emerging market and production hub.
For Mexican clients, the U.S. connection is equally promising. Partnerships with U.S. subsidiaries and consulting firms could open the door for HARBOR to extend its services throughout the Americas.
Looking Ahead
The global economy will not get simpler. Supply chain realignments, energy transitions, and geopolitical shifts will continue to test corporate agility. In this environment, firms like HARBOR Economics play a vital role: translating complexity into clarity.
For Lucía Garza, the mission is both practical and visionary. “Data alone doesn’t create value,” she notes. “It’s how you use intelligence to anticipate, adapt, and act that makes the difference.”
With its deep experience, boutique precision, and cross-border focus, HARBOR Economics is well-positioned to expand its influence beyond Mexico. For U.S. companies navigating uncertainty, this Mexican firm may soon become a household name in boardrooms from Houston to New York.
