Freight Back on Track in Mexico After Road Protests End

Mexico’s trucking and agricultural groups began clearing highways and border access points on Thursday after reaching an agreement with federal authorities, ending several days of widespread blockades that disrupted freight across the country and into the United States.

Demonstrations targeted major highways, toll plazas and key U.S. entry points, sharply reducing outgoing shipments. In Nogales, Arizona, just three of 32 produce trucks expected earlier this week arrived, sparking concerns about vegetable and fruit availability following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Industry groups estimated the economic hit at roughly $3 million per day from suspended cross-border work and factory shipping delays. Mexico’s export-oriented manufacturing sector — particularly plants that rely on U.S. deliveries — saw immediate impacts.

“In Nogales alone, about 50,000 jobs rely on the export of finished goods,” said Genaro Vecerra, head of Index Nogales.

Agreement details

After more than 12 hours of negotiations, representatives including the National Front for the Rescue of the Countryside and the National Association of Truckers secured commitments from the federal government to:

• Increase highway protections following rising cargo theft and missing-driver cases
• Revisit water-management rules affecting farmers
• Release overdue payments owed to wheat and corn producers
• Create a permanent working group to address rural pricing and trade matters, ahead of the 2026 USMCA review

Mexico’s Interior Ministry said the agreement would restore unrestricted public movement and gradually return freight networks to normal levels.

The National Association of Transporters reported that by Thursday afternoon, about 90% of blockades had been lifted. Some isolated road closures continued in Tamaulipas, Oaxaca, Hidalgo and Guanajuato.

Protest organizers cautioned that the resolution remains conditional. They plan to monitor government follow-through and warned that demonstrations could resume if progress stalls.

China-Built Vehicles Arrive in Mexico Aboard Jisu Fortune

The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas welcomed the vessel Jisu Fortune on Nov. 22, marking its first Mexican port call. The Liberian-flagged LNG-powered ship discharged 5,041 vehicles from Chinese automaker Geely — including Zeekr models — over a four-day operation handled by SSA Mexico.

Officials said the arrival reinforces Lázaro Cárdenas’ growing role in Pacific automotive trade and supports expanding Asian vehicle imports. The port has an annual capacity exceeding 2.2 million TEUs and has become a key entry point for both car shipments and container cargo.

Dual Borgstena Opens New Auto Interiors Plant in Coahuila

South Korean firm Dual Borgstena has launched a new manufacturing facility in Monclova, Coahuila, adding between 880 and 900 jobs to the region’s automotive supply chain.

The plant will produce vehicle seat upholstery. State officials promoted the investment as evidence of Coahuila’s industrial consistency, skilled workforce and continued appeal for foreign capital. Authorities said additional Korean suppliers are already evaluating new projects in the region.

Also Read: Bank of America Confident in Mexico Growth Despite Tariff Concerns