The international crossing of cargo between Mexico and the United States faces serious problems due to problems in the customs system, which has caused delays of up to nine hours for the transit of trucks. According to Carlos Fernández Martínez, president of the Association of Cargo Transporters in Nuevo Laredo, the reduction in the commercial flow has been up to 65 percent, impacting both the import and export of goods.
Authorities have implemented emergency programs to expedite procedures, however, transporters say that the problem persists. It is estimated that 16 thousand trucks cross this border daily, but currently around 8 thousand units are affected by the delays. The situation has generated concern in the sector, since a prolongation of the crisis could bring serious economic consequences.
The maintenance of the customs system is one of the factors that have influenced these delays. Although the authorities had warned in advance about the possible effects, the transporters point out that the preventive measures were insufficient, since the problem is national in nature and there are no alternative routes that can absorb the flow of goods.
In addition to the problems in the system, the transporters have denounced deficiencies in the infrastructure, the lack of personnel and technological limitations that have aggravated the situation. The combination of these factors has brought the sector to a critical point, generating uncertainty about the prompt resolution of the conflict and about future failures in the system.
In the face of the crisis, the transporters have expressed their hope that the authorities will make appropriate decisions and allocate the necessary resources to improve the infrastructure and speed up customs processes. Meanwhile, international trade faces one of its most difficult weeks due to the long lines and waiting times at the border crossing.
Source: jornada
