A second day of protests by demonstrators on the Mexican side of the World Trade Bridge has disrupted cargo traffic between Mexico and the US, with all northbound trucks being redirected to an alternative bridge. The blockade, which began around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, has caused significant delays for commercial vehicles heading towards Interstate 35.
According to authorities in Laredo, Texas, protesters are blocking the roadway connecting the bridge to the city. To alleviate congestion, cargo trucks from Mexico are being rerouted to the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge, located approximately 19 miles east of the World Trade Bridge.
A Facebook post by the Laredo Police Department warned drivers to exercise caution and expect delays due to the protests. The police department also stated that all northbound traffic from the World Trade Bridge has been redirected to the Colombia Solidarity bridge.
The demonstrations are reportedly led by relatives of individuals who have lost their lives in incidents involving the Mexican Army and National Guard. According to La Jornada, these protesters are demanding justice and calling for intervention from President Claudia Sheinbaum.
This is the second time in 24 hours that protests have disrupted traffic at the World Trade Bridge. On Tuesday, demonstrators blocked the roadway starting at noon, with the demonstration concluding around 8 p.m.
The impact of the protests on trade between Mexico and the US is significant, given that the Port Laredo area, which includes both bridges, was the top US trade gateway in August, according to data from the Census Bureau analyzed by WorldCity. The redirection of cargo traffic to an alternative bridge may cause further delays and disrupt supply chains.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between protesters and government agencies in Mexico. As the demonstrations continue, it remains to be seen how long they will last and what impact they will have on cross-border trade between Mexico and the US.
Source: Freight Waves
