Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Miguel Ángel Landeros, the president of the Consejo Mexicano de Comercio Exterior (COMCE) in Occidente, has been vocal about the ongoing challenges facing Mexico’s western export sector. His organization represents businesses engaged in international trade, making his insights crucial for understanding the current situation.
The Coordinator of the Consejo de Cámaras Industriales de Jalisco (CCIJ), Antonio Lancaster Jones, also plays a significant role in representing the interests of industrial businesses in Jalisco, where Lázaro Cárdenas port is located.
The Impact of the Lázaro Cárdenas Port Blockage
On September 4, a transportation blockade was initiated at the Lázaro Cárdenas port in Michoacán, exacerbating existing issues in western Mexico’s export sector. This situation follows earlier disruptions at the Manzanillo customs office, which had already caused delays and frustration among businesses.
“The problem is not only about delays but also involves unsanitary conditions, similar to what happened in Manzanillo. There’s growing exhaustion among transportation workers, one of the most vulnerable sectors,” Landeros told El Economista.
Alternative Use of Lázaro Cárdenas Port
Despite the primary role of Manzanillo as the main port for western Mexico’s exports, many companies have turned to Lázaro Cárdenas as an alternative due to the delays caused by the May blockage by customs workers.
“Although we handle different goods, some ships have been operating in Lázaro Cárdenas because of the congestion in Manzanillo. This undoubtedly affects Occidente, and Jalisco in particular,” Landeros Volquarts explained.
Inefficiency in Mexico’s Principal Aduanas
Landeros emphasized that the ongoing issues at major Mexican customs offices highlight a lack of efficient management in port operations.
Nearly four months after the Manzanillo blockage, small and medium-sized enterprises (Pymes) continue to suffer due to these problems.
“I can share the story of a company that has been trying to clear its containers for almost 90 days and still hasn’t succeeded,” Landeros stressed.
Sector-Specific Impacts
Antonio Lancaster Jones, the CCIJ coordinator, noted that while Lázaro Cárdenas handles fewer exports for Jalisco businesses compared to Manzanillo, there is still an effect, particularly in the steel sector.
“Lázaro Cárdenas is crucial for the automotive sector; however, Jalisco imports very little from there. Nevertheless, we’ve been informed that the steel sector is experiencing delays,” Lancaster Jones reported.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue causing disruptions in western Mexico’s export sector? The ongoing blockage at the Lázaro Cárdenas port and previous disruptions at the Manzanillo customs office have led to significant delays and frustration among businesses.
- Why have companies started using the Lázaro Cárdenas port as an alternative? Following delays caused by the May blockage at Manzanillo, many companies turned to Lázaro Cárdenas as an alternative due to perceived less congestion.
- Which sectors are most affected by these port issues? The steel and automotive industries, particularly in Jalisco, have experienced considerable delays in their export operations.
- What is the overall impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (Pymes)? These businesses have been severely affected by the port issues, with some experiencing delays of up to 90 days in clearing their containers.
