Banamex Warns on Tariffs as Maersk Expands Manzanillo Port

This week in logistics news: Banamex warned that Mexico’s new tariff push on Asian imports could end up constraining growth, employment and the peso rather than strengthening domestic industry. In North American rail, the Trump administration is pressing for stricter English-language compliance for Mexican train crews operating in the United States, while Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s proposed mega-merger has advanced into the Surface Transportation Board’s review process.

Meanwhile, Maersk is investing more than US$15 million in a new depot in Manzanillo aimed at easing port bottlenecks and accelerating inland distribution.

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Mexico’s Tariffs on Asian Imports Could Backfire: Banamex

Banamex warned Mexico’s new tariffs could deepen stagnation, pressure the peso, and hurt jobs, noting past tariffs failed to boost domestic output. Effective in January, the revised package reshapes 1,463 tariff lines and targets non-FTA imports, especially from China and India, focused on strategic goods like textiles, steel, auto parts, plastics, and footwear (about 6.4% of imports).

Trump Administration Targets English Rule for Mexican Train Crews

USDOT says the FRA is tightening oversight to ensure Mexican train crews operating in the US can communicate in English after inspectors flagged issues on Union Pacific and CPKC cross-border runs. Crews are limited to 10 miles (16 km) inside the United States, uncertified crews must stop at CBP exchange points, and enforcement action is possible for noncompliance.

Maersk Opens US$15 Million Manzanillo Depot to Ease Bottlenecks

Maersk opened a 31,000 m² logistics depot near the Port of Manzanillo, investing over US$15 million to reduce congestion and speed first- and last-mile cargo flows. The facility adds 6,018 TEUs of capacity plus reefer, repair, shunting, and transloading services to strengthen supply chain resilience on Mexico’s Pacific corridor.

UNP, Norfolk Southern Seek STB Approval for Rail Mega-Merger

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern filed a merger application with the STB on Dec. 19, 2025, aiming to create a transcontinental freight railroad spanning about 80,467.2km across 43 states and 100+ ports. The STB is reviewing the filing’s completeness (comments due Dec. 29), as CPKC warns of potential competition and service impacts.

Puerto Colombia–Laredo Crossing Reports Sharp Rise in 2025

Crossings via Nuevo Leon’s Colombia–Laredo port of entry are rising, with INM records showing 69,603 entry permits issued from January to September 2025 versus 51,500 in all of 2024. Officials also cite temporary 24-hour processing on Dec. 19-21 and plans to expand lanes and boost logistics through the bridge and La Gloria–Colombia highway.

Mexico Clears Expansion for Nuevo Laredo III International Bridge

Mexico’s SICT granted technical clearance for the Nuevo Laredo III International Bridge expansion, validating the design and enabling the next phases to increase capacity and reduce crossing times at a key freight crossing. Separately, ARTF issued the Dec. 5 tender for Section A of the Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo passenger rail line and said basic engineering for the full route is complete.