Why farmers and truckers are blocking key trade routes in Mexico

By José Luis Martínez

Road blockades in Mexico are now in their third day as agricultural and transportation worker alliances continue to protest issues including violent incidents targeting drivers, increasing operating costs and proposed water legislation.

The full impact of the blockade remains to be seen, but some U.S. freight brokers issued client advisories this week noting risks in transit delays and disruptions. 

If the nationwide blockade prolongs, it’s set to have broader effects across both sides of the border given that nearly 12 million trucks crossed into the U.S. through ports across the Texas border through October of this year. One in five of those trucks crossed through a port in the Rio Grande Valley area, U.S. federal data shows.