Road Opens for Resolving Mexican Trucking Dispute
US - The US-Mexico long-haul trucking dispute could finally be resolved by late summer under an agreement announced by Presidents Barack Obama and Felipe Calderón last week.
14 March 2011
2 minute read
Last year Mexico instituted $2.4 billion in retaliatory tariffs against US exports, including pork and dairy products, because of the failure to resolve a dispute over allowing Mexican trucks and drivers to operate on long hauls in the United States.
“Our Council members have raised concerns about the possibility that corn, sorghum and distiller’s grains could become subject to these tariffs,” said Floyd Gaibler, US Grains Council director of trade policy. “Hopefully, this agreement will avoid potential action against our commodities.”
Mr Gaibler explained Mexico uses a “carousel” approach to the tariffs, periodically shifting the list of affected imports to create more pressure on US decision makers.
Full details of a programme to implement the announcement are expected to come later this spring, which will be released by the US Department of Transportation for a 30-day public comment period.
Once a final agreement is signed – possibly as early as April or May – Mexico will reduce its tariffs by 50 per cent on all affected commodities. The remaining 50 per cent will be lifted when the programme takes effect. US administration sources indicate that could be by August.
“There will continue to be efforts by US business and agricultural groups to keep pressure on the administration and Congress to make sure this agreement doesn’t get held up or delayed,” said Mr Gaibler, noting that Mexico retains the right to reinstate the tariffs under those conditions.
TheCattleSite News Desk
