U.S. Chamber Comments on Cross-Border Trucking with Mexico

"We have no credibility calling on other countries to meet their trade obligations if we refuse to keep our own," Donohue Says

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In response to the Mexican government's announcement that it will impose tariffs on U.S. exports in retaliation for the U.S. refusal to implement the cross-border trucking provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement:

"It's profoundly disappointing the U.S. hasn't met its commitment to open our borders to Mexican trucks — with full reciprocity for U.S. carriers. Doing so would reduce congestion and air pollution at the U.S.-Mexico border while promoting growth and jobs.

"Every Mexican truck entering the U.S. must meet every U.S. safety requirement, so these are some of the most inspected trucks anywhere in the world. Since the pilot project was launched, their safety record has been outstanding.

"We have no credibility calling on other countries to meet their trade obligations if we refuse to keep our own. Mexico is our second largest export market in the world, and it's very unfortunate we've been unable to resolve this issue after more than a decade.

"The Chamber is committed to working with our friends in Congress and in Mexico to expedite a thoughtful deal that leads to open borders as our two countries agreed more than 15 years ago."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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