On Wednesday, the Chairman of the Arizona House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. David Cook, reached out to Mexico’s Consul General Yescas Mendoza with a proposal to alleviate supply chain disruptions caused by a massive union strike.
The strike began on Tuesday, when approximately 45,000 U.S. port workers walked off the job. The strike affects 36 ports, threatening shortages and rising prices.
Cook is seeking collaboration with the Consul General to explore the possibility of diverting container shipments to Mexican ports, allowing goods to enter the United States through Arizona’s land ports of entry, in an effort to minimize the economic impact of the union-led strike.
“With the current port closures, we need creative solutions to ensure vital goods continue to flow and to minimize economic disruptions,” said Cook. “Working with our Mexican partners to use their ports offers a practical solution that benefits both our states’ and national economies. It is crucial that we keep the lines of trade open, and I am confident this proposal can help reduce strain on our supply chains until U.S. ports are operational again.”
Cook letter in its entirety:
Consul General Yescas Mendoza
320 E McDowell Rd #105
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Dear Consul General Yescas Mendoza,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding an urgent issue that is currently affecting both the United States and Mexico: the closure of U.S. ports due to ongoing strikes. This situation, if not tackled quickly, will have significant disruptions to critical supply chains and commerce.
As you are aware, Arizona plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and economic partnerships between the U.S. and Mexico. In light of the ongoing strike and the resulting port closures, I would like to propose a solution that could mitigate the impact on Arizona’s and the U.S.’s economy and ensure continuity of trade operations.
I believe that by temporarily diverting shipping vessels to Mexican ports, we can alleviate the pressure caused by U.S. port closures and help maintain the flow of goods into Arizona and other affected regions. Mexican ports, such as those in Mazatlán could provide the logistical support necessary to manage this redirection, allowing for a more seamless transition of goods into the U.S. via Arizona’s land ports of entry. This approach could serve as a valuable stopgap measure until the strike is resolved.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you, the Mexican Consulate, and relevant stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to explore this option, including the consulate bringing this idea to the Arizona Governor as well. By working together, we can develop a coordinated strategy that addresses this pressing issue and strengthens our cross-border economic ties.
I look forward to discussing this proposal further and welcome the opportunity to meet at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
The Honorable David Cook
Arizona House of Representatives, LD 7
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair
House International Trade Committee Chair
