Deputy Proposes State Fund to Support States with Major Ports

Mexican Deputy Riult Rivera introduced an initiative to create a Port Compensation Fund for Road and Railway Infrastructure. The initiative aims to strengthen investment and benefit states with the most important deep-sea ports. 

The initiative, which adds articles 52-A, 52-B, and 52-C to the legal framework, establishes that the fund would be composed of 10% of resources collected at customs in deep-sea ports at states that handle a minimum of 2 million containers annually. The resources would be collected from fees on customs services, general import and export taxes, Special Tax on Production and Services, and Value Added Tax.

In a press release, the Chamber of Deputies states that the resources will be distributed equally. The document has been submitted to the Finance and Public Credit Committee.

The initiative highlights the role maritime ports play in the economy and tourism. Data from the International Transport Forum indicates that nearly 90% of globally traded goods are transported by sea. Mexico’s Tax Administration Service reports that over 50% of custom port revenue is collected at the Port of Manzanillo, the Port of Lazaro Cardenas, the Port of Veracruz, the Port of Altamira, and the Port of Ensenada.

While these ports contribute significantly to wealth generation and fiscal income for the country, they are not reimbursed for the damages caused by the constant transit of heavy-duty vehicles. From the total revenue generated through port activities, a small percentage remains in those states, as revenues head directly to the Ministry of Finance (SHCP). The new initiative seeks to contribute to municipal and state development, allowing for their growth, providing greater opportunities, and making them an attractive place for investment and tourism.