News Summary
The Texas Association of Business has initiated the Texas Leads Trade coalition (TLT) to enhance trade relations with Mexico and Canada. They aim to defend the USMCA agreement, fight against tariffs, encourage infrastructure investment, and support Texas’ status as the top exporting state in the U.S. With significant trade figures and job creation linked to exports, TLT focuses on fostering innovation and growth-driven agreements while addressing challenges such as illegal migration and narcotics trafficking.
Big Moves for Texas Trade: The Launch of Texas Leads Trade Coalition
Here in Texas, exciting things are happening on the trade front! The Texas Association of Business has just announced the launch of a brand-new coalition called Texas Leads Trade, or TLT for short. This initiative is aimed at supercharging the state’s trade relationships, not just with our friendly neighbors in Mexico but also with Canada. With the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) set for re-evaluation in 2026, this move couldn’t have come at a better time!
Why USMCA Matters
Let’s talk about the USMCA for a second. It’s been hailed as the best trade agreement the U.S. has ever signed! TLT is ready to step up and defend the USMCA fiercely, ensuring Texas remains a key player in international trade. With this coalition, they plan to push for enhancements that will better secure trade relationships and boost the Texas economy.
No More Tariffs, Please!
Now, one of the big issues on TLT’s agenda is tackling those pesky tariffs that often complicate the trade landscape between the three North American countries. The coalition isn’t just about fighting off tariffs; they’re also dedicated to pushing for more investment in essential border bridge infrastructure, which is crucial for making business transactions smoother for everyone involved.
Texas: The Exporting Powerhouse
You might not know it, but Texas has been ruling the exporting scene for a remarkable 22 years. That’s right! In 2023 alone, Texas exports amounted to an impressive $444.6 billion, making up nearly 22% of all U.S. exports. Mexico remains Texas’ top trading partner, with trading figures skyrocketing to an astonishing $272.3 billion this year, with Canada not too far behind. What a powerhouse!
The Dynamic Texas-Mexico Border
The Texas-Mexico border is not just any border; it’s the busiest trade gateway in North America! Can you believe it handles about 68% of trade between the U.S. and Mexico? That’s a whopping $24 million in trade every hour! Now that’s what we call a bustling hub of activity!
Creating Jobs and Driving the Economy
When we talk about exports, we aren’t just tossing around numbers. These exports have real consequences! In 2021, Texas exports were significant enough to support around 1 million jobs across various sectors. And let’s not forget that Texas ports were responsible for nearly $740 billion in international trade back in 2018. It’s crystal clear that Texas plays a vital role in the global trade game.
Guiding Principles of the Coalition
What makes TLT tick? Their guiding principles focus on defending Texas as a global trade leader, rejecting policies that stifle growth, investing in securing border infrastructure, and fostering trade agreements that pave the way for future success. Members of TLT will be working together under a Commitment to Action, emphasizing innovation, modernizing infrastructure, and cementing relationships with trading partners.
Looking Forward: The Future of Texas Trade
As we gaze into the future, it’s evident that the economic landscape in Texas is at an impressive peak. Our strong trade ties with Mexico and Canada are key to this success. With trends like nearshoring on the rise, the demand for goods and components flowing between Texas and Mexico is only going to grow. This creates an urgent need for further investment in border infrastructure to handle the expected increase in activity.
In this vibrant and evolving atmosphere, TLT looks forward to collaborating with various chambers of commerce, trade associations, and industry leaders. They aim to magnify the benefits of trilateral trade while keeping tariff-free trading conditions alive, which is essential for sustaining economic growth. Importantly, the coalition also recognizes the need to address challenges like illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking while safeguarding trade interests.
In Conclusion
As Texas initiates this thrilling new chapter with the Texas Leads Trade coalition, the emphasis will remain on reinforcing its position as a regional trade powerhouse. If the statistics hold any truth, the outlook for trade in the Lone Star State is looking incredibly bright!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rio Grande Guardian: Interview with Glenn Hamer
- KTRE: East Texas Counties Apply for Trade Zone Designation
- Visual Capitalist: Trade Between U.S. States and Mexico
- Texas Border Business: Secretary Nelson Leads Trade Meeting
- Bisnow: Impact of Trump Tariffs on Texas Metros
