Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) praised President Obama and Mexican President Calderon for announcing that they have reached a pathway forward on a long haul cross-border Mexican trucking program. This announcement is in response to the ongoing issue with the tariffs placed on American agricultural and other products by the Government of Mexico following the halt of a pilot program in March 2009 requiring safety inspections of trucks entering the United States from Mexico.

“These tariffs on agricultural products are hurting Washington state farmers and costing much-needed jobs in the Pacific Northwest,” said Rep. Larsen. “I applaud President Obama and President Calderon for reaching a pathway forward on this critical issue.”

“I look forward to seeing this plan when it is released later this month. It is past time to end these tariffs so U.S. farmers can finally transport their produce across the border and spur job growth and economic activity.”

Larsen has worked for years to see these tariffs removed. He sent a letter to the President in April 2009 with a number of other Members of Congress asking for a solution to the Mexican tariffs and led letters to the Department of Transportation and the United States Trade Representative. He also recently raised the issue at a meeting with the Mexican Ambassador. 

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