Introduction to the Tehuantepec Isthmus Corridor (CIIT)
The Tehuantepec Isthmus Corridor (CIIT) is a 308-kilometer railway connecting the ports of Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, and Coatzacoalcos, Veracrux. This project is one of the flagship achievements of the Morenista administration, aiming to establish a new strategic route linking Asia with the US East Coast.
Hyundai’s Role in Testing the CIIT
Hyundai, a leading South Korean automotive manufacturer and the world’s sixth-largest car producer, participated in a pilot test to export vehicles from its home country to the US East Coast port of Brunswick. This test highlights CIIT’s potential as a new logistical alternative amidst significant changes in global trade.
Pilot Test Details
- The pilot test involved transporting vehicles from Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, using CIIT’s Line Z.
- Two shipments were made: the first carried 600 vehicles, and the second transported 300 vehicles, with a nine-hour interval between them.
- The vehicles were loaded onto the RCC Africa in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, destined for Georgia on the US East Coast.
The logistical operation took approximately a week, significantly reducing costs and transit time compared to the Panama Canal.
Expert Opinions on CIIT’s Impact
Nino Morales, President of the CIIT Special Follow-up and Promotion Commission, emphasized that this test strengthens CIIT as a strategic route connecting Asia with the US East Coast.
Omar Cancino, an economic expert for Southern and Southeastern issues, noted that CIIT presents a logistical alternative during a time of significant changes in global trade. The current government and the Mexican Navy have facilitated this modernization effort for the Tehuantepec Railway, enhancing connectivity between Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos ports.
CIIT’s Significance in Global Trade
The CIIT has been recognized in Mexico’s Plan as a logistical project aiming to establish Mexico as a strategic bridge for global commerce.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Tehuantepec Isthmus Corridor (CIIT)? CIIT is a 308-kilometer railway connecting the ports of Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, and Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz.
- Who participated in the pilot test? Hyundai, a leading South Korean automotive manufacturer, took part in the test.
- What was the purpose of the pilot test? The test aimed to evaluate CIIT’s potential as a new logistical route connecting Asia with the US East Coast.
- What are the benefits of using CIIT? CIIT offers reduced costs and transit time compared to traditional routes like the Panama Canal.
- What is CIIT’s role in global trade? CIIT aims to position Mexico as a strategic bridge for global commerce.
