Mexican Farmers’ Strike Continues for Over Two Weeks, Causing Severe US-Mexico Freight Delays

Since November 24, Mexican farmers and transport workers have initiated large-scale strikes and road blockades due to unresolved negotiations with the government. As of December 8, the protests are ongoing, significantly impacting domestic logistics in Mexico as well as cross-border freight to the United States.

According to reports from Freightwaves, Tradlinx, and local Mexican media, the strikes have led to intermittent closures of major highways and border crossings, factory shutdowns, and disruptions to export shipments, leaving billions of dollars’ worth of goods stranded in ports and on roads.

Latest Data

Number of stranded trucks: Approximately 38,000

Value of delayed cargo: Approximately USD 1.45 billion

Most severely affected region: Ciudad Juárez–El Paso corridor

Estimated backlog clearance time at Juárez port: Around 10 days under normal operating conditions

Other affected border points include:

Mexicali–Calexico: Multiple commercial routes blocked, restricting northbound freight and putting pressure on the Baja California and Sonora inland corridors

Reynosa–Pharr International Bridge: Highway and bridge access blocked, causing missed delivery windows for perishable and time-sensitive goods

Nogales–Mariposa: Early-stage truck blockades disrupted shipments to Arizona; although most blockades have been lifted, tensions remain

Impact on Logistics and Supply Chains

The ongoing strike poses multiple risks for supply chains:

Shipping delays: Cross-border exports cannot be reliably delivered on schedule

Factory shutdowns: Fuel, raw materials, and essential goods are delayed

Rising costs: Stranded cargo increases storage and demurrage expenses, with higher spoilage rates for perishable items

Supply chain disruption risk: Critical logistics hubs such as Juárez face material shortages, potentially affecting downstream operations

Local business leaders have warned that “supplies in Juárez are running low,” highlighting the growing logistical pressure.

Recommendations

For companies engaged in China-Mexico trade, we recommend the following measures:

Plan shipments in advance: Book cargo early to avoid disruptions for time-critical shipments

Monitor real-time conditions: Stay updated on road closures and border status in Mexico

Diversify ports of entry: Select alternative ports based on cargo type to reduce single-point risk

Flexible warehousing and redistribution: Prepare backup storage and cargo allocation plans for stranded goods

Our Services

As a professional China-Mexico freight forwarding company, we provide end-to-end logistics solutions:

Multi-port transportation in Mexico: Flexible route adjustment to bypass high-risk strike areas

Backlog clearance and customs services: Efficient processing of stranded cargo to reduce storage costs

Supply chain risk management: Tailored contingency plans to ensure timely and secure delivery of goods

📌 Contact us today to receive the latest updates on Mexican logistics and cross-border shipping solutions, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.