Mexican produce crossings at both Nogales, AZ and in South Texas have been reduced by cold, wet weather. Both Arizona and Texas are major border crossing points with warehouse distribution centers. Produce truckers load at these faciliteis for delivery Mexican fresh produce across the USA and Canada.
There have been tight supplies on yellow squash, green beans, sweet corn and some other commodities from northern Mexico, due to the lingering effects of a mid-January freeze in southern Sonora and northern Sinaloa, Mexico.
The majority freeze damage occurred January 11-16.
It will probably be April 1st before volume and loadings return to normal. Losses have been extensive and drivers should make an extra effort to observe what is being loaded and look for damage to items ranging from squash to green beans, among others.
Nearly everything in Sonora and from Los Mochis north in Sinaloa was adversely affected by the freeze.
Mexican tomatoes, which are grown mostly in greenhouses farther to the south, were in fine shape and not affected nearly as much by the cold. About 200 truckloads of tomatoes are crossing the borders weekly at both Nogales and McAllen, TX, with volume on the increase.
Mexican tomatoes and other items crossing at McAllen – grossing about $4300 to New York City.
Mexican tomatoes and veggies crossing at Nogales – grossing about $3400 to Chicago.