The temporary closure of railroad crossings in two Texas border towns by the federal government raises alarms over potential disruptions to cross-border trade and its economic impact. Customs and Border Protection’s decision to pause rail operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso comes amid a surge in illegal border crossings, prompting concerns from carriers, politicians, and industries reliant on the affected rail routes.
Why the Closure: Customs and Border Protection cites the need to address the influx of up to 10,000 daily illegal border crossings in the southwest as the primary reason for temporarily stopping railroad operations. The move aims to redirect customs officers to assist overwhelmed Border Patrol agents and manage the growing number of migrants entering the country.
Economic Impact on Rail Carriers: Union Pacific and BNSF, the two carriers affected by the closures, face significant economic losses. Union Pacific estimates daily losses exceeding $200 million, representing 45% of its cross-border business. Both carriers move a diverse range of goods, including agricultural products, automotive parts, finished vehicles, chemicals, and consumer goods.
Concerns Across Industries: Automakers Ford and Toyota anticipate minimal immediate impact, while Stellantis expresses concern about potential disruptions to production. Union Pacific reports over 60 trains waiting at the border, carrying automotive cars, food and beverages, industrial commodities, and agricultural products. The National Grain and Feed Association warns of critical tightness in feeding supplies for livestock feeders in Mexico due to stalled grain and oilseed shipments.
Alternatives and Logistical Challenges: Trucks are considered an alternative to trains, but the volume of goods moved by rail presents significant logistical challenges for road transport. Union Pacific estimates it would take one million trucks to match the volume moved by rail, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Migrant Involvement and Rail Security: While migrants often attempt to board trains during their journey through Mexico, rail carriers utilize police, partnerships with federal agencies, and technology to deter and detect illegal entries. Union Pacific and BNSF emphasize their efforts to secure rail operations, with minimal instances of migrants attempting to cross the border on trains in recent weeks.
Conclusion: The closure of railroad crossings at the US-Mexico border raises broader concerns about the economic impact on rail carriers, industries, and cross-border trade. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders closely monitor developments, emphasizing the need for a balance between border security measures and mitigating disruptions to vital trade routes.
