AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, the Texas Association of Business (TAB) officially launched Texas Leads Trade, a coalition uniting business leaders to reinforce Texas’ status as the nation’s top trading state and strengthen North America’s economic ties.
“As the top exporting state for 23 consecutive years, Texas thrives on robust trade relationships that fuel job creation, economic growth, and global competitiveness,” said TAB President & CEO Glenn Hamer. “Through Texas Leads Trade, we are bringing together industry leaders to safeguard and expand these vital partnerships.”
The coalition—grounded in the principle that robust North American Trade is Good for Texas—has already attracted over 30 key stakeholders, including:
Bienvenidos
Borderplex Alliance
Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Brownsville Chamber of Commerce
CIL Commodities Integrated Logistics
Constellation Brands
Dell Technologies
El Paso Chamber of Commerce
El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
General Motors
Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Greater Houston Partnership
Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
HP Inc
IBC Bank
Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce
NASCO Network
North Texas Commission
Precision Task Group
RGV Hispanic Chamber
RGV Partnership
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Texas Association of Manufacturers
Texas International Produce Association
Texas Trucking Association
Union Pacific Railroad
United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
US Chamber of Commerce
Dennis Nixon, CEO & Chairman, IBC Bank (headquartered in Laredo, TX) and Co-Chair of the Trade Policy Working Group for the US-MX CEO Dialogue, US Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for regional collaboration: “NAFTA and USMCA are free trade agreements that have allowed the North American economy to grow and prosper, benefiting over 500 million people who live and work in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Thirty years of integration has resulted in one giant economy producing over $30 trillion in GDP each year. These trade agreements have enabled the region to compete in the global economy by drawing on the unique resources and skills of each country, thereby bringing prosperity to their citizens and sharing that prosperity around the world. Applying tariffs will destroy the economic miracle that is USMCA. Our goal should be free and fair trade-based reciprocity so that all nations can participate in the global economy. USMCA must be preserved to protect our future.”
Gerry Schwebel, Executive Vice President, Corporate International, IBC Bank and Member of the US Mexico Economic Council of the US Chamber of Commerce said: “Texas has the most to gain from robust trade policies with our two strongest economic partners—Mexico and Canada. It is critical that we Texans show a united front with the Texas Leads Trade Coalition by delivering a strong message that working together we can thrive economically and continue to lead the nation as the Go To State to grow your business.”
Dr. Laura Murillo, President & CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, underscored the importance of seamless trade: “The USMCA is the gold standard of trade pacts, and any disruption its tenets will significantly impact the region’s business and economy.”
Sergio Contreras, TAB’s RGV Regional Chair, highlighted the coalition’s role in fostering innovation and growth: “International trade boosts Texas’ economy by creating jobs and expanding market access. Texas Leads Trade is championing policies that keep our businesses competitive.”
With leadership transitions underway in Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., and the 2026 USMCA review on the horizon, Texas Leads Trade will advocate for tariff-free trade, reduced non-tariff barriers, modernized infrastructure, and fair economic practices to maintain Texas’ global edge.
“The North Texas region makes up over one-third of our state’s GDP, and much of that success is export-dependent,” said Chris Wallace, President & CEO of the North Texas Commission. “We look forward to working with our leaders to focus on trade policy solutions that will allow our economy to continue to thrive.”
With Texas trade reaching $281 billion with Mexico and $75 billion with Canada in 2024, Texas Leads Trade will serve as a unified voice advocating for policies that secure supply chains, promote economic stability, and enhance North America’s global competitiveness.
To learn more about the coalition and how your organization can get involved, please contact David Zapata at dzapata@txbiz.org
###