LAREDO – The Port of Laredo just went from the country’s No. 1 inland port to the No. 1 international trade port overall, beating large cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.
This comes three years after falling two places to third.
Recent U.S. Census Bureau data show Laredo recorded $24.6 billion in two-way trade overall in February. Mexico commerce represented a large majority of that trade. A total of $23.9 billion came via trade with the southern neighbor, signaling the huge ties that exist between Laredo and the Mexican economy.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport ranked No. 2 and reported $22.8 billion in trade while the Port of Los Angeles ranked No. 3 with $17.2 billion.
Laredo Mayor Victor Trevino said the two main things that will help sustain this level of trade growth will be the future World Trade Bridge expansion and Colombia bridge improvements.