**Rail Exportations at Tijuana-San Ysidro Expected by Mid-2025**
The anticipated launch of rail-based goods exports from Tijuana to the United States through the Tijuana-San Ysidro checkpoint is set for the first half of 2025. This announcement comes on the heels of the commencement of the installation of X-ray inspection equipment and the construction of a monitoring center at the station in Tijuana on Tuesday.
The company Rapiscan has been contracted to install the X-ray systems, with Constructora Prudence overseeing the civil engineering aspects. The project is expected to take six to eight months to complete. Once these installations are finalized, further negotiations will continue with the U.S. government to begin the export operations, according to Antonio Otáñez, the Director of the Tijuana-Tecate Short-Line Railway Administration.
Currently, Tijuana is the sole customs point in Mexico that does not handle rail export operations. It is predicted that the initial year of these operations at Tijuana-San Ysidro will generate an economic value of approximately $600 million, with an estimated annual movement of 2,500 to 3,000 units.
Lt. Colonel Alejandro Robles Segura, in charge of the customs administration, highlighted that this project is part of a federal investment in upgrading technology in all 50 customs points across Mexico, spearheaded by the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM). Robles Segura explained that the Tijuana rail expansion complements similar advancements at other customs locations and within Tijuana’s existing infrastructure for vehicle crossings and import-export processes. He, however, did not disclose the financial investment details.
Rapiscan has equipped Tijuana with all the X-ray machines to ensure efficient, non-intrusive inspections, which help in reducing processing times while increasing accuracy. Roberto Romandía Tamayo, the CEO of BJRR, noted the company’s annual investment surpassing $350,000 for the preventive and corrective maintenance of more than 27 kilometers of railway, including repairs to sleepers and tracks.
In light of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Mexican exports, Romandía Tamayo suggested that such measures would only affect certain products. Tijuana manufactures a wide array of goods, many of which will not face tariffs. Otáñez also reassured that Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has strategies in place to continue exports through the Tijuana-San Ysidro port.
As of 2024, there has been a 116.5% annual growth in imported goods, including plastics, malt, LPG, aluminum, paper, and wood, as stated during a press conference. On average, one import operation is conducted daily.
—
**Secondary Article: U.S.-Mexico Trade Relations Amidst Tariff Challenges**
As the possibility of U.S tariffs on Mexican goods looms, business sectors in both countries are assessing potential impacts. According to recent business analyses, U.S-Mexico bilateral trade is one of the most substantial worldwide, with millions of American jobs linked directly to this trade relationship.
Experts argue that tariffs could disrupt the supply chain significantly, especially for industries like automotive, electronics, and agriculture. This scenario could compel companies to re-evaluate their sourcing and production strategies. Despite these challenges, Mexican exports have diversified considerably over the years, which may mitigate some adverse effects of potential tariffs.
Moreover, U.S. companies reliant on Mexican imports might face increased costs, which could translate into higher prices for consumers. Analysts emphasize the importance of diplomatic dialogue to address trade disagreements and avoid tariff impositions that could affect economic growth in both nations.
Potential tariffs also underscore the need for increased competitiveness and innovation within Mexico’s export sectors to maintain their edge in the global market, despite external economic pressures.