Three South Texas congressmen, Vicente Gonzalez, Henry Cuellar, and Dan Crenshaw, have joined forces to urge the US government to intervene in Mexico’s recent ban on gasoline imports. In a letter addressed to the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the lawmakers expressed their concerns about the ban’s impact on American businesses and its potential violation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Mexico’s ban, which went into effect in October 2023, restricts the import of dozens of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals. The Mexican government claims that the ban is necessary to combat the problem of fuel theft and adulteration by cartels. However, the South Texas congressmen argue that the ban is having a detrimental effect on American businesses, particularly those in the energy sector.
The congressmen further argue that the ban violates the USMCA, which guarantees free and open trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the agreement, any restrictions on trade must be based on legitimate justifications and implemented in a transparent manner. The congressmen argue that Mexico’s ban does not meet these criteria and is therefore a violation of the agreement.
In their letter, the South Texas congressmen urge the US Trade Representative to engage in consultations with the Mexican government to address their concerns. They also request that the US government consider taking further action, including pursuing dispute settlement mechanisms under the USMCA, if Mexico does not lift the ban.
The ban on gasoline imports has already led to increased fuel prices in Mexico and has caused disruptions in the supply chain. If the ban remains in place, it could have a significant negative impact on the Mexican economy and could lead to further tension between the United States and Mexico.
The US government has not yet responded to the letter from the South Texas congressmen. However, the issue is likely to receive increasing attention in the coming weeks and months. As the US and Mexico continue to negotiate a resolution to this dispute, the potential consequences for both countries remain significant.
