Mexico has begun clearing major highway and border blockades after trucker and farmer groups reached an agreement with federal authorities, easing several days of disruptions that significantly slowed freight flows into the United States.
The protests—which targeted highways, toll booths, and key border crossings—were driven by mounting highway insecurity, rising cargo theft, disputes over water regulations, and overdue subsidy payments. The blockades had sharply restricted cross-border shipments, with some U.S. entry points reporting only a fraction of expected produce trucks arriving, raising concerns about short-term supply impacts.
Trade groups estimated the economic cost at roughly $3 million per day, affecting salaries, transportation revenue, and Mexico’s maquiladora sector, which relies heavily on the timely export of finished goods.
Following more than 12 hours of negotiations, federal officials agreed to enhance highway security, review provisions of the proposed Water Law, guarantee pending payments to grain producers, and create an ongoing working group focused on rural pricing and trade issues ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Mexican authorities said the agreement will restore normal traffic and freight flows nationwide.
By Thursday afternoon, roughly 90% of blockades had been lifted, although scattered closures remained in several states. Protest leaders emphasized that the removal of blockades does not mean their demands are resolved, warning they may resume action if commitments are not honored.
In other cross-border developments, the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas welcomed the LNG-powered Jisu Fortune, delivering more than 5,000 vehicles from China and reinforcing the port’s role as a major automotive gateway. Additionally, Korean manufacturer Dual Borgstena opened a new production facility in Coahuila, a move expected to generate up to 900 jobs and further strengthen the region’s automotive supply chain.
