Nuevo León Expands Border Connections with the United States

Nuevo León continues strengthening its ties with the United States through major infrastructure projects. The state’s governor, Samuel García, announced the construction of two new border bridges, which will triple the number of customs crossings and boost exports. This plan was devised during the government transition, taking into account the nearshoring boom.

Increase in Border Crossings

With these two new bridges, daily crossings between Mexico and the United States are expected to rise from 1,000 to 8,000 next year. The goal is to establish a secure and efficient customs facility with crossing times of only five minutes.

"Each state has to tailor its own solution... The idea is to produce and assemble in Nuevo León and export to the United States," explained Samuel García.

Agreement with U.S. Authorities

At the recent Annual Industrial Meeting (RAI) in Nuevo León, García revealed that the bridges will be officially announced alongside U.S. authorities, including Senator Ted Cruz.

"Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will announce with Senator Ted Cruz... that will allow us to triple crossings from 1,000 to more than 8,000 next year," stated the governor.

Investment in Road Infrastructure

After more than 40 years without new road construction, the current administration has already initiated six projects and completed three. Additionally, the governor emphasized that the new highway system will connect customs with the Gloria-Colombia corridor, facilitating trade without the need to leave Nuevo León.

Security and Logistics

"Our goal is to create a comprehensive logistics hub," said García. "Wherever you go, your product will arrive in an hour and a half, and if you take the Colombia route, you’ll reach Laredo in less than two hours."

Collaboration with Laredo, Texas

On October 15, Governor Samuel García and the City of Laredo promoted the construction of two additional international bridges at the Colombia-Laredo Border Port.

"The governor will be in Colombia with Senator Ted Cruz... to officially announce the expansion of the Colombia International Bridge and, more importantly, to request the presidential permit needed in the United States," noted Marco González, Secretary of Regional and Agricultural Development.

The project, with an estimated investment of $60 million, will retain the existing four-lane bridge for tourism and large vehicles, while adding two new four-lane bridges: one dedicated to exports to the United States and the other for imports into Mexico.

Foreign Trade Operations on the Rise

The Colombia Bridge is becoming a strategic point for foreign trade. From January to July 2024, it achieved its second-highest level in the number of operations since 2019, with a total of 494,638 crossings, a 24% increase compared to 2020.

Efficient Crossing Times

With an average crossing time of 30 minutes at the Colombia Bridge, this route offers a faster alternative compared to other border points. Andrés Franco, Director of the Mexican Council for Foreign Trade (Comce) Northeast, highlighted, "You can take the Colombia route... and the wait may only be 10 or 15 minutes, compared to longer times at other bridges."

Expansion in Exports

Nuevo León remains a stronghold in Mexican exports, contributing 9.9% of the country’s exports, with a value of $13.781 billion by the second quarter of the year, placing it in fourth place nationally in exports.