U.S./Mexico Trucking Dispute Resolved, Mexico Retaliatory Tariffs to be Lowered on Some Texas Agricultural Goods

Following a long-running dispute over Mexican truck access to the United States, an agreement has been made to allow for easier trade between the two countries.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed, which will cut Mexico’s punitive customs duties on 99 U.S. products, and the remaining tariffs will be removed later this summer, within five days after the first carrier is inspected and certified by the Department of Transportation to participate in the trucking program.

A USDA report earlier this year indicated tariffs reduced the total value of targeted U.S. agricultural exports by $240 million from March 2010 to February 2011, and Mexico’s retaliatory tariffs have an impact of $190 million in Texas agriculture products.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said that “Trade equals jobs and this agreement…will help level the playing field and remove the unfair burden placed on the backs of our hardworking farmers and ranchers.”

Some of the Texas agriculture products involved include pork, wine, peanuts, onions, and dozens of other commodities.