U.S., Mexico Unveil Deal to End Trucking Dispute

[The Straight Story]

U.S., Mexico Unveil Deal to End Trucking Dispute

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced a deal resolving a longstanding dispute over cross-border trucking that has subjected the U.S. to billions of dollars in punitive tariffs.

The plan, unveiled at a news conference by the two presidents, will allow for half of those tariffs to be lifted immediately. It will establish a reciprocal, phased-in pilot program that allows Mexican trucks to operate inside ...


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703300904576178511087875924.html

[pampango]

1. BBC: US and Mexico reach proposed deal over trucking dispute

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12640830

The US and Mexico have reached a proposed deal to open US highways to Mexican trucks, raising hopes of an end to a 20-year dispute.

US President Barack Obama said the nations had "found a clear path to resolving" the roadblock in relations. In a news conference with Mexico's Felipe Calderon, Mr Obama said the plan would now be taken to Congress.

US and Mexican trucks were previously authorised to cross their shared border under the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, but the US has refused to allow Mexican trucks access amid concerns over their ability to meet US safety and environmental standards.

Mr Calderon's government last year retaliated with tariffs on a number of US goods after US lawmakers cancelled funding for a pilot program that allowed long-haul Mexican trucks to circulate in the US.