Brownsville Port Strengthens Role in US-Mexico Logistics Chain

The Port of Brownsville is solidifying its role as a strategic hub in the binational logistics chain, with cargo movement projected to reach 30Mt by the end of 2025, according to Guillermo Rico Leal, Director of Business Development and Marketing, Port of Brownsville.

Speaking at the Southern Border Conference, organized by the Mid Valley Customs Brokers Association, Rico highlighted the importance of the port’s participation in international trade forums. Such events, he said, provide updates on regulatory changes and strengthen ties with the customs community at land crossings and the maritime terminal.

“I do not compete with the bridges, I am maritime transport,” Rico Leal said. “The Port of Brownsville is the only seaport on the border up to El Paso, and we are a fundamental piece for the logistics chains that Mexican and US industries require.”

Rico Leal noted that 90% of the port’s operations are linked to Mexican industry, helping strengthen competitiveness and generate more resilient supply chains.

The port offers multimodal services, rail, barges and trucking, and is recognized as one of the most agile terminals in the Gulf of Mexico. It specializes in handling project cargo and specialized goods, though it does not operate container services.

In 2024, the Port of Brownsville moved 28Mt of cargo. This year, officials expect to close with 30Mt, consolidating its position as an economic driver for the border region.

Major Investments

The Port of Brownsville is attracting major investments in steel, energy, and logistics and many of its projects are shaping the port's role in regional and international trade. “We are seeing significant investments, particularly in the steel sector. Companies like Forza Steel and Ternium are expanding their operations. Ternium México, our largest steel customer, moved about 5.5Mt of slab last year, with daily shipments of 50,000t vessels. Ternium is investing between US$3 billion and US$4 billion in a new plant in Monterrey to produce slabs domestically, reducing reliance on imports from Brazil,” Rico Leal told MBN.   

Rico Leal highlighted that the expansion requires an additional 3Mt of raw materials, including iron ore and pig iron. To support this, Ternium is building a US$200 million terminal on nearly 200 acres at the port. Once operational, Ternium will transport an additional 3Mt by rail, bringing its total volume to about 9Mt.

Key Projects

Currently, there are important projects that are expected to drive economic growth in the region. One of them is Rio Grande LNG, a US$18.4 billion investment that will liquefy natural gas for export. By cooling the gas to around -127° C, it can be condensed by 600%, making transportation far more efficient. If approved, two additional production trains could bring the total investment to US$25 billion, said Rico Leal.  

“Another major project is Texas LNG, a US$5 billion facility near the channel entrance, which will operate similarly to Rio Grande LNG. These investments will significantly increase cargo volume. Last year, the port handled 28Mt. With these projects, that number could reach up to 80Mt annually in five years, moving the port into the Top 20 US ports by volume. These projects will also create well-paid, highly skilled jobs,” said Rico Leal. 

The port is strengthening its role as a major logistics hub for the steel industry and global trade, benefiting both Mexico and the US. It offers businesses space, incentives, and infrastructure to support expansion, positioning the port to drive shared growth and investment, explained Rico Leal.