**Rail Exports Through San Ysidro Expected by First Half of 2025**
The initiation of rail exports from Tijuana to the United States through the San Ysidro port of entry has been slated for the first half of 2025. This development follows the recent commencement of the installation of X-ray equipment and the construction of a monitoring center at the Tijuana station. The installation of the X-ray equipment will be handled by Rapiscan, while Constructora Prudence will oversee the civil works. The project is expected to take six to eight months. Once this phase is completed, further negotiations with the U.S. government will ensue to finalize the export procedures, according to Antonio Otáñez, director of the Tijuana-Tecate Short Line Railroad Administration.
Currently, Tijuana’s port of entry is the only customs point in the country not conducting rail export operations. The anticipated value of foreign trade operations through the Tijuana-San Ysidro checkpoint in the first operational year is estimated at $600 million, with annual movements of 2,500 to 3,000 units.
Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro Robles Segura noted that this federal investment is part of a broader modernization effort by the Mexican National Customs Agency, which aims to upgrade technology across 50 customs offices nationwide. This rail initiative complements existing upgrades at vehicle crossings and import/export facilities at the Tijuana customs office.
Rapiscan’s role includes installing all non-intrusive X-ray inspection equipment in Tijuana, designed to reduce inspection times and increase efficiency. Meanwhile, Roberto Romandía Tamayo, the general director of BJRR, highlighted an annual investment exceeding $350,000 for the preventive and corrective maintenance of the 27-kilometer railway track, including sleeper and rail repairs.
As speculation about potential tariffs on Mexican exports under the incoming U.S. administration arises, Romandía Tamayo suggests these measures might target select products. He emphasized the diverse manufacturing landscape in Tijuana, which includes over a thousand companies, and expressed confidence in continued energetic participation in international trade, despite potential tariff implementations.
Otañez also acknowledged the strategies set by Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, indicating optimism for ongoing exports through the Tijuana-San Ysidro port. He stressed readiness for any eventualities surrounding U.S. tariff policies.
In 2024, Tijuana reported a substantial 116.5% annual growth in merchandise imports, with materials such as plastic, malt, LP gas, aluminum, paper, and wood being traded.
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**Secondary Article: Modernization of Mexican Customs Offices**
Amid the modernizing efforts by the Mexican National Customs Agency, substantial improvements are being made across the country’s 50 customs offices. These advancements aim to enhance trade efficiency and security with cutting-edge technology, particularly through the employment of non-intrusive X-ray inspection systems.
Rapiscan, a company specializing in this technology, plays a crucial role in equipping these facilities with the necessary infrastructure to streamline inspection processes. This initiative seeks to expedite border crossings, reduce waiting times, and improve security measures by enabling thorough and swift examinations.
This overarching modernization aligns with Mexico’s strategic goals of boosting its position in global trade networks. By enhancing infrastructure and adopting modern technologies, Mexico hopes to attract further foreign investment and increase its competitive edge in international markets.
The modernization program is expected to have significant economic benefits, especially in border regions that are pivotal trade hubs between Mexico and the United States. As such, it represents a vital component of Mexico’s broader economic advancement and international trade strategy.