Port Laredo: Creating Opportunities for Nearshoring Success

Q: How is Port Laredo positioning itself to capitalize on the projected growth in bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States? 

A: Port Laredo is a leading crossing point. About 15,000 trailers cross through our facilities every day. Our cargo airport, which connects with eight other airports, is also experiencing consistent growth in operations between the United States and Mexico. 

The foreign trade community in Laredo, Texas, is exceptional, with decades of expertise in customs agencies and transportation. This specialized knowledge and experience are reflected in all our operations, providing security to importers and exporters from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and beyond. Laredo consistently strives to foster competitiveness, offering a wide range of benefits that enrich the service offer and generate employment, wealth, and well-being, contributing to the city's sustainable growth. Given our significant responsibility as a point of entry to the United States, Laredo is actively present at numerous events. We are committed to maintaining and increasing the city's competitiveness, demonstrating our leadership on the international stage.

Q: What strategies is the port implementing to prepare for nearshoring?

A: We are actively promoting investment and working closely with the governments of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. We are focusing on actions that will instill confidence and encourage investment from companies worldwide. We are also analyzing ways to capitalize international trade strategies such as allyshoring and friendshoring. There is a great deal of potential growth in this region, which not only includes Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, but also the northern part of the state of Nuevo Leon, all of which attracts investment, fosters economic growth, and benefits the entire binational region. Given the substantial volume of border crossing operations, establishing any nearshoring company will benefit not only one or two cities but the entire region. The goal is to create a win-win situation where increased investment contributes to the prosperity of the entire area.

Q: What role is Laredo playing in the expansion of the World Trade Bridge and Colombia Bridge? 

A: Laredo is keenly focused on maintaining its competitiveness, especially considering the anticipated growth in operations at both the World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Bridge. We have ample capacity to handle imports and exports, but we take a proactive approach, recognizing the need to address potential challenges before they become critical. Efforts are underway to expand both the World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Bridge. These expansions will provide many years of advantage in terms of regional competitiveness, benefiting Laredo and the broader South Texas region. 

We recognize the need to plan for the future and there are multiple plans in motion, but the primary focus is to expand the World Trade Bridge, with the construction of the new bridge span. This strategic approach ensures that the city addresses current demand and is well-prepared for the evolving needs and challenges to come.

Q: How does Port Laredo navigate disruptions caused by temporary closures of key border crossings? 

A: We have a close collaborative relationship with the governments of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. The disruptions we have experienced have been promptly resolved. Maintaining the flow of international trade, especially at a critical juncture for North America like Laredo and the surrounding region, requires foresight and planning. The port is committed to constructing scenarios, developing communication strategies, and establishing procedures to minimize interruptions. The volume of cargo passing through Laredo is a top priority, necessitating ongoing city efforts to plan for the future. The city consistently looks ahead, anticipating the necessary actions and strategies to ensure the smooth flow of trade. 

Q: With the upcoming elections in Mexico and the United States, what shift does the city anticipate in cross-border trade policies and how is it preparing to adapt to any changes?

A: The national political landscape in both countries is evolving. Regardless of the outcomes in both countries, the paramount objective of the City of Laredo is to ensure the continuity of international trade processes at Port Laredo. We will continue coordinating with our counterparts in Mexico, specifically Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, ensuring seamless traffic flow and sustained functionality.

Customs officials, alongside the city, county, and municipal authorities on both sides of the border, have historically maintained a high level of coordination to minimize disruptions. Port Laredo is a crucial gateway for the country regarding supply chains, imports, and exports. Consequently, a strong sense of responsibility guides our actions. Plans and actions are carefully devised to proactively address virtually any circumstance, ensuring the continued smooth operation of the port in the face of various challenges.

Q: In light of the projected shortage of cargo truck drivers, what measures is Laredo considering to address potential labor challenges in the transportation sector?

A: There is a clear awareness on both sides of the border about the need to prepare more drivers for the trucking industry. Higher education institutions, including universities, are actively exploring ways to train and prepare more individuals. Specific talent development programs for operators, including training initiatives, are in place. Efforts are underway to motivate new generations to view truck driving as a dignified and well-paying profession. Unlike in the past, where it was often a family legacy, operating a trailer today requires a different skill set, given the technological advances and complex equipment involved. Autonomous vehicles will also be in the near future. 

While responsible individuals will always be necessary, they will need different knowledge and skill sets, not only for driving, but also to better understand and comply with traffic laws of different states. Many Mexican operators find it challenging to cross the United States beyond Texas due to the differing regulations. Despite the difficulty, it presents an opportunity for growth and universities and transport organizations are actively working to address these challenges. The goal is to prepare the workforce of the future, ensuring they possess the skills and knowledge needed for evolving technologies and changing regulations.

Q: What are Port Laredo’s main objectives in 2024? 

A: We are solidifying the existing infrastructure and forging synergies with government entities and public-private organizations. As the Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) administrator, I aim to enhance this program that has thrived in Laredo for 40 years, currently being used by 50 users. My plan involves expanding this program, leveraging the advantages FTZs offer importers in the United States, and capitalizing on their significant benefits.

The strategy is twofold: maintaining a strong presence and enhancing competitiveness while fostering increased collaboration with other public and private entities. The goal is to sustain our undisputed leadership position through a proactive approach, continuous improvement, and strategic partnerships that amplify the advantages offered by the FTZ program. This multifaceted approach aligns with our commitment to positioning Laredo as an undeniable leader in the field, continually adapting to industry dynamics and evolving trade landscapes.