Frontera NorteSur September-October 2003

Violence Shifts Trade from Nuevo Laredo to Matamoros

The recent disappearance and murder of law enforcement authorities in Nuevo Laredo and the city's eight-month long war between rival drug cartels has resulted in the increased flow of goods through Matamoros, according to Jorge Alberto Chávez Camacho, the head of Customs in that city. 

Between July 2003 and August 2003, Customs saw a 7% increase in the fees it collected from importers, Chávez said. Chávez noted that the magnitude of the revenue increase exceeded what had been expected. 

One Japanese electronics giant that previously imported material into Mexico through Nuevo Laredo has already rerouted its goods through Matamoros, Chávez told the Matamoros newspaper El Bravo. 

"Companies with recognizable brand names have made known their desire to work in Matamoros," said Chávez. "This is because they see that conditions in Nuevo Laredo are no longer appropriate."

Chávez also mentioned that customs brokers are meeting with his office to discuss opening operations in Matamoros. 

"Matamoros Customs is prepared to work in import and export operations and we're happy that they are doing it through here," said Chávez of the city's newfound customers. 

Source: El Bravo (Matamoros), September 1, 2003. Article by Oscar Treviño.