jis
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Iran actually manufactures some of its own rolling stock and even exports them. For example Pakistan Railway runs a bunch of Iranian imports.This is not unique to Mexico.
Many African countries for example use a lot of second-hand European (especially French) equipment and in some cases keep it running with minimum maintenance. I believe Argentina, Chile and Egypt have some ex-Spanish equipment (some of it extensively rebuilt and modernized). You can find second hand German trains in places like Iran and in several Balkan countries.
(just to name a few examples)
I guess many of these systems would not be able to afford new equipment. Second hand equipment at near scrap prices is thus their lifeline and is what keeps these railroads afloat. Although that is changing somewhat with Chinese manufacturers offering new trains at a substantially lower cost.
China is not the only player in the rolling stock market outside of the western manufacturers. There are countries like Indonesia, Iran and even India and such doing brisk business in addition to China, South Korea and Japan. Bangladesh for example is swimming in Indonesian and Indian manufactured passenger cars both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned.
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