Why it matters: Mexico is the largest source of agricultural imports to the United States, and the United States relies on a sophisticated but relatively fast inspection system at the southern border for the passage of goods.
The United States imported nearly $ 34 billion worth of agricultural products by 2020, according to government figures.
Details: Abbott, a Republican candidate for re-election, last week ordered state troops to conduct additional inspection of commercial trucks in response to the Biden administration’s removal of a policy that removes asylum seekers in the name of public health. in May.
US Customs and Border Protection is already responsible for inspections. Abbott’s order doubled the effort. The CBP said on Tuesday that trade has been reduced by up to 60% since the governor’s mandate. He also called the additional searches unnecessary and said that “they lead to traffic disruptions and critical effects on an already tense supply chain”.
The big picture: Cross-border trade is vital as supply chain issues continue to affect Americans.
Dante L. Galeazzi, CEO and President of the Texas International Produce Association, wrote in a letter to Abbott that his policy “has wreaked havoc on our supply chain and is likely to leave the state shelves of stores with limited supplies.” fresh products “. “Border security is an important element of this region, but so is the trade that employs millions of Texans. According to a Texas A&M study, fresh produce from Mexico not only employs nearly 8,000 Texans, but is “I was also responsible for $ 850 million in financial impact on the state,” Galeazzi wrote. Even some members of Abbott’s own party oppose the decision.
Bottom line: Truck drivers wait more than a day in their cars, in high temperatures, to bring goods to the US, according to the Texas Tribune. Some have protested. Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the CBP statement.
