### Exports from Baja California Drop by 30% in 2024
Tijuana, September 19, 2024 – The exports through Baja California have decreased by 30% so far this year, according to Israel Delgado Vallejo, Vice President of the Northwest Region of the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar). Delgado Vallejo attributes this significant decline to persistent delays and failures in the Mexican customs system, which have hampered the exchange of goods between Mexico and other countries.
Delgado Vallejo explained that the issue largely stems from the system becoming overly saturated, particularly after national holidays, leading to a backlog in processing. “It’s a significant financial blow, and the system overload is the main cause of the current bottleneck,” he stated. Despite these adverse conditions, he expressed hope that the situation would return to normal by next week as the traffic congestion has become more pronounced in recent days.
In a related note, Canacar has highlighted other logistics challenges, including the increasing cost of freight expected with the adoption of electric trucks. Additionally, they point out that electric trailers should ideally be used only for short distances. The organization also reported a rise in cargo thefts and assaults on drivers, particularly in the route stretching from San Luis Río Colorado to Mexicali.
### Secondary Article: Safety Concerns and Rising Costs in Baja California’s Transport Sector
As Baja California grapples with a decline in exports, other major issues are surfacing in its transportation sector. Recent reports indicate a substantial increase in cargo theft and driver assaults along the San Luis Río Colorado to Mexicali route. The National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) has voiced its concerns over the safety of drivers and the growing financial toll on transport companies.
Adopting electric trucks is also expected to drive up freight costs due to higher initial investments and maintenance expenses. Canacar advocates for the use of electric trailers primarily for short-distance transportation to minimize costs and logistical challenges.
Local law enforcement has been criticized for being ill-equipped to handle escalating crime rates, with suggestions that public safety should not solely be in the hands of the armed forces. This public safety debate has been compounded by reports of human rights violations linked to military involvement in civil policing.
Other local incidents affecting the region include ongoing protests by families demanding information about missing loved ones and infrastructural issues such as a violent incident at the Otay commercial gate that temporarily halted operations.
Despite these challenges, the local economy continues to adapt, with forecasts for weather conditions predicting partly cloudy skies and a maximum temperature of 22°C for Tijuana this Thursday.