Agriculture Secretary Discusses Proposed Deal to End U.S.-Mexico Trucking Dispute
On March 4, 2011, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack provided additional details about the recent meeting between the U.S. and Mexican presidents regarding the proposed agreement to resolve the U.S.-Mexico cross-border long-haul trucking dispute.
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(During the March 3, 2011 visit by Mexican President Calderón to the White House, the U.S. and Mexico announced that they have found a clear path to resolving the cross-border long-haul trucking dispute. See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/04/11 news. 11030429, for BP summary.)
Mexican Drivers Would Need to Meet Certain Safety Standards, Know English
According to a White House fact sheet, this agreement will allow for the establishment of a reciprocal, phased-in program built on high safety standards that will authorize both Mexican and U.S. long-haul carriers to engage in cross-border operations under NAFTA.
Vilsack added that as part of the meeting of the high safety standards, Mexican drivers:
- entering the U.S. must be driving trucks that meet certain safety standards
- must have safe driving records
- must be proficient in English
- must prove that they understand U.S. traffic rules
- must prove that they have a good documented safety record
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 01/07/11 news, 11010715, for BP summary of the DOT’s proposed solution to the U.S.-Mexico border trucking dispute, which included a list of requirements for Mexican trucks/drivers, including those mentioned above.)
Mexico Would Suspend Half of Retaliatory Tariffs When Agreement Signed
Vilsack stated that Mexico will suspend its retaliatory tariffs on the 99 U.S. origin products in stages beginning with reducing tariffs by 50% at the signing of an agreement.
Rest of Tariffs Would be Suspended with Mexican Carriers Are Certified
Mexico will then suspend the remaining 50% when the first set of Mexican carriers are certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Mexico’s Department of Transportation.
Retaliatory Tariffs Would be Terminated Once Cross Trucking Normalized
The White House fact sheet added that Mexico will terminate all current retaliatory tariffs once the program is normalized. The agreed schedule will not affect the rights and obligations of Mexico or the U.S. under the NAFTA, including Mexico's right to apply its retaliatory measures.