Utilizing the World Trade Bridge and the Columbia Solidarity Bridge, Marketing Manager Alma L. Saldana Cruz revealed that the port processed more than $339 billion in trade in 2024. “The top commercial sectors moving through Laredo include automotive, electronics, machinery, medical equipment and fresh produce,” she told The Produce News in late February. “Trade volumes continue to rise, with both northbound and southbound commerce experiencing steady growth, driven by nearshoring trends and Mexico’s expanding role in global supply chains.”
Cruz said the agricultural sector is among the top-ranking trade categories with avocados, tomatoes and berries leading the fresh produce category. “This sector has seen continuous growth due to rising consumer demand for fresh fruits and vegetables in the U.S., as well as Mexico’s strong agricultural output,” she said. “Laredo is a key gateway for these perishable products, making it a growth area for the port.”
Port Laredo is an exhibitor at the upcoming Viva Fresh Expo, which will be held in Houston, April 10-12. “At Viva Fresh, Port Laredo’s focus will be to highlight its advantages as the premier gateway for fresh produce trade, showcase new investments in cold storage and infrastructure, and strengthen relationships with growers, shippers, and distributors,” Cruz said. “Our message is simple: Laredo is the fastest, most reliable, and most cost-effective port for fresh produce trade between Mexico and the U.S.”
She claimed that a key differentiator for Laredo is that it is the only port with dual refrigerated inspections by both U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexico’s equivalent agency (SENASICA) at its commercial bridges. “This ensures that the cold chain is never broken,” she said, “as fresh produce is inspected at a controlled 32 to 38-degree temperature, maintaining the highest quality standards.”
Cruz believes Port Laredo’s fast and efficient processing, strategic location, industry expertise, and cold chain infrastructure gives it an advantage over other crossing points on the U.S. southern border. “Given these advantages, Laredo remains the preferred choice for produce imports, offering a seamless and reliable cold chain,” she boasted.
Though the majority of fresh produce trade passing through Laredo is northbound into the United States, the port’s marketing executive did add that there is also a significant volume of U.S. agricultural exports moving into Mexico, including apples, grapes and dairy products, to name a few. “Certain sectors could benefit by increasing their use of Laredo for Mexico-bound shipments, particularly U.S. specialty crops that align with Mexican market demands,” she offered.
Cruz reported that Port Laredo is always working on enhancing port operations, with the most important current project being the expansion of the World Trade Bridge. “Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2027, adding a second bridge span to the existing and, with it, eight new northbound dedicated lanes. This will increase much needed capacity to the existing traffic flow,” she said.
Additionally, the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge expansion permit is underway, and the City of Laredo is expecting to obtain a presidential permit before the end of 2025. “These projects aim to increase efficiency and maintain Laredo’s position as the leading U.S.-Mexico trade hub,” Cruz declared.
