The costs of the recent increase in migration have resulted in significant financial losses for the Mexican border state of Chihuahua, amounting to nearly $1 billion over a span of approximately two weeks, according to state officials. The government of Chihuahua’s trade-reliant economy suffered a loss of over $947 million between September 18 and October 2. This loss is attributed to the “migrant crisis,” which has disrupted the usual flow of goods into the United States.
Chihuahua shares a border with the U.S. states of Texas and New Mexico, both of which have major entry points crucial for trade between the two countries. On Monday, the Chihuahua government reported losses of around $77 million. The state government’s statement blames the arrival of thousands of migrants for these impacts and criticizes Mexico’s federal government for not taking any action to mitigate the losses. The governor of Chihuahua represents a center-right opposition political party.
These losses coincide with increased border security checks implemented by U.S. authorities, resulting in trade delays. Mexico’s top diplomat, similar to many U.S. officials, has described the rising migration as a crisis situation. A major Mexican freight rail operator temporarily suspended operations earlier this month after migrants were injured or killed while attempting to jump on trains, further disrupting U.S.-bound cargo trains.
Another estimate indicates that around 8,000 trailers, carrying an estimated $1 billion worth of goods, have been stranded on the Mexican side of the border in the city of Ciudad Juarez, which is located in Chihuahua. This situation has been causing additional disruptions. Carolina Pulice reports, and the article is edited by David Alire Garcia and Stephen Coates.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
