U.S. Chamber Decries Measure Barring Cross-Border Trucking with Mexico

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce criticized a provision included in the omnibus spending bill approved by Congress that will effectively end a pilot project allowing trucks to operate across the U.S.-Mexico border.

"Under NAFTA, the U.S. promised to open its border to Mexican trucks — with full reciprocity for U.S. carriers — and it's disappointing we aren't keeping our word," said Myron Brilliant, the U.S. Chamber's senior vice president for International Affairs, who is currently in Mexico City for meetings with government and business leaders. "How can we call on other countries to meet their obligations under trade agreements if we refuse to keep our own?"

The cross-border trucking system is archaic and convoluted, according to the Chamber. A shipment traveling between the two countries requires at least three trucks and three drivers — a U.S. carrier, a Mexican carrier, and a middleman between the two.

"Implementing the cross-border trucking provisions of NAFTA would promote economic growth and competiveness while reducing congestion and air pollution at the U.S.-Mexico border," explained Brilliant.

Under NAFTA, merchandise trade with Mexico has quadrupled from $81 billion in 1993 to $367 billion in 2008. Trucking is vital to this trade partnership because it moves more than 70% of the value of U.S. trade with Mexico. Under the pilot project, every truck entering the U.S. was required to meet every U.S. safety requirement.

"New trade barriers are the last thing the world economy needs right now," added Brilliant. "We've urged our friends in Mexico to show restraint as they consider their response."

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.

# # #