**Merchants Urge Mexican President to Renew Decree for Importing Used Vehicles**
Merchants and customs brokers in Baja California are appealing to the President of Mexico, urging immediate action to renew a crucial decree that facilitates the importation of used vehicles. The decree, allowing reduced import duties, expired at the end of the previous administration and has yet to be reinstated in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF).
Kathya Torres Arechiga, coordinator of Grupo Logix, highlights the halted importation of approximately 3,000 vehicles at the border due to the decree’s expiration. Previously importing between 800 and 1,000 vehicles weekly through Tijuana, businesses now face significant operational disruptions.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President, is set to visit Baja California on October 26th, where she will discuss comprehensive welfare programs. Merchants hope to present their case directly during her visit, seeking intervention to address the stalled imports.
Jorge Macías Jiménez, vice president of the used car specialist group within the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco), emphasizes the urgency. He notes that businesses continue to incur ongoing expenses, including taxes and salaries, without the ability to generate revenue from vehicle imports. The lack of a decree has elevated import costs from 1% to 50% of vehicle value, significantly impacting pricing.
For example, the import cost for a 2019 sedan rose sharply from 15,000 pesos to 240,000 pesos. This increase ultimately affects consumers, who face higher purchase prices.
**Secondary Article: Customs Challenges Impact Used Car Market in Baja California**
The lapsing of the decree for used vehicle imports has created a bottleneck in Baja California’s customs operations. The economic implications extend beyond importers, impacting consumers and the broader market.
With thousands of vehicles stranded, customs brokers and car dealers face mounting pressure to manage logistics and financial strains. According to industry experts, the current impasse underscores the need for regulatory clarity and consistent policy enforcement.
Economic analysts warn that prolonged delays could exacerbate inflationary pressures in the used car market, reducing accessibility for many consumers seeking affordable transportation solutions. The situation also puts a spotlight on the importance of streamlined customs processes and support from government bodies to facilitate international trade effectively.
Stay informed about developments in this ongoing issue and explore potential impacts on local markets through our dedicated coverage.