Tonight, there is concern among importers because there's been a major disruption at the Santa Elena border in the north - and container trucks cannot cross the border. That means no trucks carrying cement, produce, or food items are currently crossing in either direction, creating concern over possible shortages and the overall economic impact.
It started on Wednesday - when the cartel reportedly sent a new "pasajero" - as they are called - to regulate and tax cargo traffic crossing the border. That's after the previous pasajero reportedly met an untimely demise because he was extending too much credit.
So, now the new boss is there to collect the cartel's quota - and it has effectively paralyzed cargo movement since Wednesday. And we are told it will continue until at least Monday, perhaps beyond that. In the meantime, perishable imports such as vegetables could be lost, while importers are telling their Mexican suppliers to stand down. Government is also losing revenue because there are no cargo trucks passing through.
We'll keep following it.
