Laredo Launches Global Trade Summit as US-Mexico Trade Grows

Summary: Laredo is seeking to strengthen its position as North America’s leading land port through the launch of the Global Trade Summit, as US-Mexico freight trade reached a record US$872.8 billion in 2025 and cross-border logistics infrastructure continues to expand. The initiative highlights the growing importance of trade corridors connecting Mexico and the United States, particularly for the automotive, electronics, manufacturing and logistics sectors that rely on integrated North American supply chains. Infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the World Trade Bridge are expected to improve freight capacity, customs efficiency and supply chain reliability, supporting nearshoring-driven investment and regional trade growth. 

As US-Mexico freight trade reaches record levels and cross-border logistics infrastructure expands to accommodate rising cargo volumes, Laredo is positioning itself to strengthen its role as North America’s leading land port through the launch of the inaugural Global Trade Summit.

The event, scheduled for July 12-14 at the Laredo Performing Arts Center, is expected to attract more than 300 attendees, including business executives, logistics providers, customs brokers, investors and industry leaders. Organizers say the summit will serve as a platform to showcase Laredo’s strategic importance in international trade while fostering new business opportunities across the region.

The gathering comes as bilateral freight trade between the United States and Mexico reached US$872.8 billion in 2025, a 3.9% increase from 2024, according to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), reported MBN. The figures reinforce Mexico’s position as the United States’ largest trading partner in North American surface freight and underscore the growing importance of border logistics hubs such as Laredo.

“We are the No.1 port in North America and we want to present the capabilities we have, but also bring the most recognized leaders in trade, logistics, infrastructure and technology to help grow the businesses of our community,” said Felipe Gabriel Romero, Marketing and Communications Director at Port Laredo. 

Summit Highlights Strategic Role in North American Trade

Against the backdrop of increasing trade flows and continued nearshoring activity, local officials view the summit as an opportunity to highlight the city’s competitive advantages and strengthen its position within North America’s integrated supply chains.

Gilberto Sánchez, Director, Laredo International Airport, said the city’s geographic location makes it one of the continent’s most efficient logistics hubs, providing rapid access to key markets across the United States and Canada.

In addition to discussions on global industry trends, the summit will feature technical panels designed for companies interested in launching or expanding import-export operations between Mexico and the United States. Organizers expect the event to provide practical insights into customs processes, logistics management, infrastructure development and emerging technologies shaping international trade.

Economic development representatives said the summit arrives at a critical moment as businesses navigate evolving trade regulations and shifting supply chain strategies.

“It is a great opportunity to demonstrate to people interested in continuing to expand foreign trade the importance of the Port of Laredo and the growth it continues to achieve despite the times we are living in,” said Rey Reyes, International Vice President of Business and Recruitment at Laredo Economic Development Corporation. 

Trade Growth Reinforces Laredo’s Leadership

The summit’s launch coincides with another year of growth for Port Laredo, which recorded US$353.94 billion in international trade during 2025, up US$14.94 billion from the previous year. The port describes itself as the leading land port in the Western Hemisphere, a status supported by its role as the primary gateway for automotive components, electronics, machinery, consumer goods and energy-related products moving between Mexico and the United States. More than 97% of the port’s trade is linked to Mexico, highlighting the deep integration of the bilateral commercial relationship, reported MBN. 

BTS data shows that trucking remains the dominant mode of transportation for cross-border freight, carrying 73.6% of total US-Mexico trade by value in 2025. Rail accounted for an additional 12.7%, illustrating the continued importance of surface transportation to regional manufacturing and distribution networks.

The growth also reflects broader trends associated with nearshoring and the regionalization of supply chains. Manufacturers operating across North America continue to rely on cross-border production models that require the efficient movement of goods between facilities in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Among the highest-value products crossing through the Laredo corridor are computers, automotive parts, cell phones and electronics, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. 

Infrastructure Expansion Supports Future Capacity

As trade volumes continue to rise, public and private stakeholders are increasingly focused on expanding infrastructure to prevent bottlenecks and maintain competitiveness. The growing flow of goods through Laredo and neighboring Nuevo Laredo has intensified pressure on customs operations, bridge capacity, cargo lanes and regional freight networks. In response, authorities in Tamaulipas are advancing the expansion of the Nuevo Laredo III International Bridge, also known as the World Trade Bridge.

The project is designed to increase freight capacity, improve customs processing and reduce logistics costs while supporting cargo growth driven by nearshoring investments. The bridge expansion is expected to deliver benefits beyond the immediate border region. Faster and more predictable freight movement can help manufacturers reduce delays, lower warehousing and transportation costs and improve delivery reliability. Such efficiencies are increasingly important for companies operating under lean inventory models and just-in-time production systems.

For industry representatives, the combination of infrastructure investment and collaboration through events such as the Global Trade Summit will be critical to sustaining long-term growth. “I believe this will be a turning point to further boost foreign trade,” said Juan José García, Treasurer, Association of Logistics and Forwarding Agents (ALFA). “The city has done a very good job, expansions are coming, it is preparing itself and we need to bring in the work, and the work comes with these types of events that are being organized.”

As North American trade volumes continue to expand, organizers hope the Global Trade Summit will become a recurring forum for connecting businesses, promoting investment and reinforcing Laredo’s role as one of the most important engines of international commerce on the continent.