Background on the Situation
Following the blockades at the Manzanillo customs in mid-May, 70% of containers at this port now face delays exceeding three days. This situation results in significant economic losses and abandoned goods due to unaffordable storage costs, according to the Consejo Mexicano de Comercio Exterior (COMCE) Occidente.
Who is Miguel Ángel Landeros?
Miguel Ángel Landeros is the president of COMCE Occidente, representing exporters in Jalisco. His comments highlight the ongoing issues at Manzanillo port, one of Mexico’s most crucial and Latin America’s third-largest.
Impact on Trade
Manzanillo handles 70% of merchandise from Asia and 40% of total maritime imports to Mexico. Despite federal efforts, delays and disruptions persist, affecting consumers, shippers, and other key stakeholders.
- Pre-disruption: 4,000 trucks processed daily
- Post-disruption: 1,500 to 1,600 trucks processed daily
Case Study: A Company’s Experience
A company paid a shipping guarantee of over two million pesos in early June. The container was detained until the PAMA (Procedural Administrative Matter in Customs Affairs) process was completed, resulting in over a month of storage costs at 5,000 pesos per day plus IVA.
Despite the law stating no confiscation with a guarantee, the container was confiscated. After paying the PAMA fine, the merchandise hasn’t been returned, and delays now cost 6,500 USD in storage.
Economic Consequences
Landeros emphasized that unaffordable storage costs due to customs delays lead to abandoned containers. Some are linked to dubious merchandise, while others belong to companies unable to cover the costs.
Call for Action
Landeros urged federal authorities to implement a comprehensive solution addressing the root cause of these persistent problems, affecting Mexico’s trade efficiency and its image as a reliable trading partner.
