Mexico seeks an end to US cargo backlog

Mexico has issued a statement “respectfully urging” the US to “mediate with the Texas Government to stop the exhaustive inspections of cargo trucks”.

What’s going on?

Thousands of undocumented migrants are now crossing the border each day. So US authorities suspended certain cargo processing operations last month, freeing up agents to help manage the increased noncitizen arrivals.

In parallel, the Texas governor re-introduced state checks for commercial cargo shipments, citing a need to secure the border and curb smuggling.

Combined, this has impacted one of the world’s busiest trade routes: Mexico’s freight industry says (🇲🇽) there’s a backlog of 19,000 trucks at the border carrying $1.9B in goods.

Intrigue’s take: In a world where nearshoring is offered as a solution for overstretched and vulnerable global supply chains, the US-Mexico border is a reminder that trade isn’t always straightforward, even among neighbours. And federal governments aren’t the only ones calling the shots.

Also worth noting:

• After Texas introduced similar vehicle checks last year, Mexican truckers staged protests blocking key crossings for days.
• Mexico’s largest rail operator temporarily suspended 60 US-bound routes for the first time last month, citing an increase in people seeking to reach the US via the company’s freight trains.
• The Bridge of the Americas, a major US-Mexico border crossing in Texas, partially resumed cargo processing yesterday (Tuesday).