Trade equals jobs and a new agreement to reduce trade tariffs on U.S. and Texas products entering Mexico will help level the playing field and remove the unfair burden placed on the backs of our hardworking farmers and ranchers.
Nearly two decades after the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the political shenanigans that followed, an agreement has finally been reached on cross-border trucking between the United States and Mexico. This agreement, finalized today, will reduce harmful tariffs Mexico imposed on 99 U.S. products exported to our southern neighbor.
Safety is the No. 1 priority for the cross-border trucking program. Every Mexican truck that crosses the border will receive an inspection and have to follow the same safety guidelines as U.S. trucks.
Mexico is Texas’ No.1 international trading partner with $73 billion in total Texas goods and services exported south of the border in 2010. Through April 2011, year-to-date exports from Texas to Mexico have totaled $27 billion. A secure cross-border passageway between the United States and Mexico supports American jobs and expands market access for the export-dependent agriculture industry.
Congratulations to native Texan Ron Kirk, United States Trade Representative, for his work in hammering out the agreement.
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