The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pressing U.S. officials to address the closure of crucial rail crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso. These crossings, shut down by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as part of immigration control measures, play a vital role in facilitating corn exports to Mexico, a major U.S. trading partner.
Harold Wolle, President of the NCGA, has voiced deep concerns about the negative impact of these closures on the agricultural sector, especially during a high-demand period. Notably, 25% of U.S. corn exports to Mexico pass through these crossings.
The closure is causing significant disruptions, with estimates suggesting a loss of almost 1 million bushels of grain exports daily. This situation has also led to immobilized grain trains in several states and concerns from Mexican customers about the reliability of U.S. grain supplies.
In response, the NCGA, along with other agriculture groups, has submitted a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, advocating for a speedy resolution. The letter emphasizes the importance of these rail crossings for U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade and warns of long-term consequences for U.S. exports if the issue is not resolved promptly.
The situation highlights the interdependence of U.S. and Mexican agricultural markets and underscores the need for a reliable supply chain to maintain the U.S.'s standing as a key agricultural exporter. The NCGA is committed to continuing its efforts to reopen these rail crossings and ensure the stability of U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade.