US Lawmakers Urge Trump to Address Vulcan Materials’ Dispute

A group of 35 Republican lawmakers from the US Congress has sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging his administration to demand a resolution for Vulcan Materials Company’s dispute with the Mexican government. The legislators also expressed concerns over reports that the Mayan Train project might be funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), calling for an investigation into its true developers to safeguard US national security interests.

The letter criticized the previous US administration for allegedly failing to act when the Mexican government forced the closure of Vulcan Materials’ limestone quarry and deepwater port in the Yucatan Peninsula in 2022. The legislators called on Trump to address the issue with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in discussions on trade and border security, urging Mexico to engage in good-faith negotiations to resolve the crisis.

Allegations of Expropriation and National Security Concerns

The lawmakers argue that the treatment of Vulcan Materials — the US’s largest producer of construction aggregates — raises serious concerns about Mexico’s respect for US business interests. They say that Vulcan Materials has been a vital supplier of construction materials to the US Gulf and southern Atlantic coasts, supporting infrastructure projects from Texas to the Carolinas.

The letter alleges that, on May 5, 2022, under orders from former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the Mexican military occupied Vulcan Materials’ facilities and shut down operations. The lawmakers further claim that in September 2024, López Obrador effectively expropriated the company’s property by designating the area as a "Natural Protected Area," a move they argue benefits Mexican and foreign interests at the expense of an US company.

Additionally, the legislators express concerns over reports that the adjacent Mayan Train project may have been funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They urge Trump’s administration to investigate the matter to ensure that China’s Belt and Road Initiative does not gain influence in this strategically important region.

Mexico’s Response: Environmental and Legal Justifications

In response to the letter, Sheinbaum addressed the issue in a press conference. She announced that her government would send a formal response to both Trump and the congressional signatories, clarifying Mexico’s position and outlining the steps being taken to resolve the dispute.

Sheinbaum refuted claims of expropriation, stating that the land remains the property of Vulcan Materials. However, she argued that the company had expanded its quarrying operations beyond the authorized area, causing significant environmental damage, including harm to cenotes and aquifers. According to Sheinbaum, the Mexican government initially warned Vulcan Materials about these violations, but the company continued, leading to the decision to change the land’s designation to a Natural Protected Area.

Regarding allegations of Chinese involvement in the Mayan Train project, Sheinbaum stated that the project was entirely funded by public resources, as documented in official financial reports. She denied any CCP funding and clarified that if any company involved in the project had received Chinese investment, it was unrelated to the train’s overall financing.

Vulcan Materials’ Background 

Following the designation of Calica’s area as a Natural Protected Area, Vulcan Materials announced its intention to seek international arbitration under the USMCA, as MBN reported. The company argues that Mexico’s actions amount to an expropriation that violates the trade agreement.

Sheinbaum says that her administration is open to dialogue with Vulcan Material to seek a negotiated resolution rather than a prolonged legal battle. She suggests that the Mexican government is exploring alternative solutions with the company but reiterated that mining operations could not continue in the protected area due to their environmental impact.

If no agreement is reached, Sheinbaum states that the matter would be settled in court, highlighting Mexico’s commitment to legal transparency and environmental protection.