Who is Rogelio González?
Rogelio González is the CEO of One Stop Group and Recintos Fiscalizados del Noreste, a prominent figure in the logistics and customs sector of Mexico. With over 45 years of experience working on both sides of the US-Mexico border, González has gained valuable insights into international trade operations and market dynamics.
The Impact of Customs Charges and Delays on Border Competitiveness
In an era of rising trade tensions and tariffs, González warns that customs-related measures such as double charging at border crossings and slow customs procedures negatively affect logistical agility and increase costs for border trade.
Double Charging in Customs and Slow Procedures
González highlights that practices like double charging in customs and delayed clearance processes hinder exports instead of streamlining them. He emphasizes that international trade is the driving force behind the economy, especially in Mexico’s dynamic northern border region.
The Influence of the US-China Trade War
The ongoing tariff war between the United States and China has disrupted trade flows, affecting both Mexican maquiladoras along the northern border and those in Texas. González points out that international organizations rank Mexico low in terms of competitiveness, and additional costs and delayed border crossings exacerbate the situation.
High Dependence on US Parts and Components
González stresses that Mexico’s manufacturing and maquiladora processes rely heavily on parts and components from the United States, accounting for 80% of their supply chain. This dependence makes Mexico more vulnerable to changes in the US economy compared to Canada.
Unilateral Decisions and Bilateral Agreements
González expresses concern over unilateral executive decisions by the US President that disrupt established bilateral agreements, such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) under the World Trade Organization (WTO). This instability creates uncertainty in international trade rules, further impacting border competitiveness.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern raised by Rogelio González? González is worried about customs charges and delays that negatively affect border competitiveness, hinder exports, and increase costs for businesses.
- How does the US-China trade war impact Mexican maquiladoras? The ongoing tariff dispute between the US and China has disrupted trade flows, affecting both Mexican maquiladoras along the northern border and those in Texas.
- What percentage of parts and components does Mexico rely on from the United States? Mexico depends on 80% of its parts and components from the United States for manufacturing and maquiladora processes.
- What bilateral agreements are being disrupted by unilateral decisions? The US President’s unilateral executive decisions have disrupted established bilateral agreements, such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- What is causing uncertainty in international trade rules? Unilateral decisions by the US President and the ongoing tariff war between the US and China create instability in international trade rules, leading to uncertainty.
