Ties between the United States and Mexico have deepened over 30 years of free trade, creating both benefits and irritants.In 1975, when Dennis Nixon joined a regional bank in Laredo, Texas, there was minimal trade between the United States and Mexico. However, over the past few decades, the two countries have become increasingly intertwined, with nearly a billion dollars of commerce and over 15,000 trucks crossing the border every day. Laredo has become the busiest port in America, facilitating the exchange of goods such as car parts, gasoline, avocados, and computers.
Nixon, a longtime advocate of tariffs and critic of free trade deals, has witnessed the deepening economic integration between the US and Mexico. However, this relationship is now being threatened by President Trump’s recent decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Mexican imports in an effort to pressure the Mexican government to address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trump has also implemented tariffs on Canadian and Chinese goods, citing concerns about competition and the need to update trade agreements.
Many businesses argue that the ties between the US and Mexico run deeper than most Americans realize, and policies like tariffs will have a significant impact. The two countries are closely linked through business, trade, tourism, family connections, remittances, and cultural exchange. While there may be some discontent and efforts to distance the relationship, the benefits of this closeness cannot be ignored.
According to The New York Times, the US and Mexico are among the most integrated economic partners in the world. As such, any actions that seek to sever these ties will have far-reaching consequences.
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