Texas Leads Trade

International trade is a major driver of Texas’ economic prosperity. As the nation’s top exporting state for 22 consecutive years, Texas thrives on robust trade relationships that fuel economic growth, support over one million jobs, and ensure the competitiveness of Texas businesses in the global market. Recognizing the strategic importance of these relationships, Texas Leads Trade, a coalition under the Texas Association of Business, is dedicated to strengthening North America as a unified trading bloc.

Texas Leads Trade fosters collaboration under the core principle: Trade is Good. As the nation’s top trading state, Texas plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties with its largest trading partners—Mexico and Canada. In 2024, Texas trade totaled $281 billion with Mexico and $75 billion with Canada, underscoring the state’s economic leadership and deep integration within North America.

By bringing together chambers of commerce, trade associations, think tanks, private companies, and thought leaders, the coalition amplifies the benefits of trilateral trade. Through advocacy and strategic partnerships, Texas Leads Trade advances policies that enhance business opportunities, strengthen communities, and bolster regional security and global competitiveness.

This initiative underscores the geopolitical urgency of protecting supply chains and reinforcing North American collaboration, particularly amidst leadership transitions in all three countries and the upcoming 2026 United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) review. Notably, every member of the Texas congressional delegation—Republican and Democrat alike—supported USMCA, recognizing its critical role in Texas’ economic success.

We must ensure that the USMCA remains a cornerstone of North American trade, widely supported by Texans for its impact on economic growth, regional integration, and job creation. Preserving and strengthening this agreement is not just beneficial—it is essential to Texas’ trade success and the long-term stability of our region.

Through dialogue, policy advocacy, and public-private partnerships, the Texas Leads Trade coalition will champion policies that promote seamless trade, modern infrastructure, and fair economic practices. By fostering collective action and collaboration, the coalition will act decisively as a united front to safeguard and advance the shared economic interests of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In an era of growing challenges to trade, Texas Leads Trade highlights the indispensable value of trade as a driver of prosperity across North America. Together, this effort will ensure a prosperous future for Texas and solidify the region’s position as a leading global trading bloc.

GUIDING PRINCIPALS

Defend Texas’ Position as a Global Trade Leader

• We urge the immediate rescission of the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) decision to eliminate cargo traffic at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) in El Paso, Texas. This decision disrupts vital trade flows, increases costs for businesses, and strains alternative ports of entry, jeopardizing Texas’ leadership in cross-border commerce.

Reject Policies That Undermine Economic Growth

• We oppose tariffs that disrupt economic development, particularly those targeting Texas’ key trading partners like Mexico and Canada, whose integrated supply chains are vital to the state’s economy.
• Trade wars and inflationary tariffs act as taxes on businesses and consumers, undermining the enormous economic potential of Texas.

Invest in Border Infrastructure and Security

• Federal reimbursement must be secured for Texas’ investments in border infrastructure and security, reflecting the state’s pivotal role as a hub for international trade.
• Advocacy for modernized infrastructure, including technological upgrades at Texas ports of entry, is essential to expedite trade, reduce inefficiencies, and combat illicit activity.

Promote Trade Agreements That Drive Growth

• The Texas business community strongly supports agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which strengthens trade relationships, fosters innovation, and ensures the long-term economic success of our state and nation.

THE CASE FOR TRADE: KEY FACTS

• Texas exports totaled over $444.6 billion in 2023, accounting for nearly 22% of all U.S. exports.
• In 2021, exports from Texas and American owned companies supported an estimated 1 million jobs.
• In 2024, Texas trade totaled $281 billion with Mexico and $75 billion with Canada, our top two trading partners.
• The Texas-Mexico border is the busiest trade gateway in North America, handling 68% of all trade between the United States and Mexico. This critical corridor facilitates $24 million in trade every hour.
• Texas ports of entry facilitated nearly $799 billion of US trade with Mexico in 2023.

Commitment to Action, coalition members affirm their commitment to advancing policies that:

• Protect and expand Texas’ leadership in international trade.
• Foster innovation and economic resilience.
• Build modern and secure trade infrastructure.
• Strengthen relationships with key trading partners.

We invite you to be part of this critical effort