Mexican Trucking On The Scope Again

Mexican Trucking On The Scope Again

Mexican Trucking On The Scope Again. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

Remember a few years ago when we had that major hiccup with the trucking issue from Mexico and how the Mexican government levied a tariff on products like apples? That issue never really went away and now the Obama administration has granted provisional operating status to 13 Mexican trucking firms. Lacy Gray has more.

GRAY: Thanks, Greg. Those 13 trucking firms have been hauling goods back and forth as part of a pilot program for the last three years. That pilot program ended as of the first of October and has quite a few ag groups concerned that those tariffs could resume. One of the hardest hit were Washington apples. The Department of Transportation is awaiting reports, collecting data and still evaluating before determining what the next course will be but meanwhile, the 13 firms will be allowed to continue operations in the U.S. As part of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement both countries agreed to allow their trucks into each other’s country as long as they did not compete with local firms. There are hopes that the agreement will be made permanent and this issue can be put to bed for good.

Thanks Lacy. Mexico is the largest apple export market and any cessation of service or tariff’s would put a major crimp in an otherwise excellent year for Washington apples. We will keep out eye on this important issue.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.

Previous ReportCider - Making Waves
Next ReportFinishing Up the Apple Crop