Due to the importance of the port of Lázaro Cárdenas in the movement of goods and the increase in operational movement expected in 2025 due to the incorporation of three more shipping line services, predicting at least 25% more cargo increase, Estefani Leal , Legal Manager of the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents (Amanac) , considered it essential that the customs of this port be modified from a type 2 to a type 1.
At the National Consultation Forum for Mexican Customs and Ports , held in the Chamber of Deputies , Leal pointed out that this would mean that this strategic point could be provided with personnel, non-intrusive inspection equipment, extended hours and everything necessary for it to operate efficiently in order to offer better service to foreign trade users.
According to the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) , there are two types of customs: type 1, which are those with the largest operations, as well as schedules, staff allocation and more resources in general.
Type 2, according to ANAM, refers to a customs office whose operations are normal , without high demand and with fewer needs than a type 1. Currently, Lázaro Cárdenas is classified as type 2, however, due to the type of operation and volume it handles, it should be type 1.
According to Leal, Lázaro Cárdenas is the second largest maritime port for vehicle mobilization nationwide . In 2024 alone, it reported a movement of more than 670 thousand units, surpassed only by Veracruz.
“It was also ranked as the eighth port in Latin America in container movement, reporting the movement of more than nine million TEU (20-foot containers) last year, second only to Manzanillo,” he explained.
According to information from the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Lázaro Cárdenas , this port closed 2024 with a total figure of 31 million 295 thousand 690 tons of cargo operated , which meant an increase of 6% compared to the 29 million 592 thousand 908 tons reached in the same period of 2023.
Representatives from the customs and transportation sectors also participated in the forum, where they presented the needs and areas of opportunity for this industry, in relation to the initiative to reform the Customs Law , proposed by Congresswoman Rosalinda Savala , which seeks to modernize customs processes and unify and extend operating hours at the 50 customs offices in Mexico.
The proposal also states that customs services will be implemented during the following hours: Monday to Sunday from 00:00 to 24:00, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00, and Sundays from 9:00 to 15:00.
In this regard, Yax Tzel Nolasco Gómez , president of the Manzanillo Cargo Transport Union (UTCM) , considered it important to begin modifying both annex four of the rules where schedules are discussed, as well as different articles of the Customs Law , to streamline and seek efficiency in seaports, as well as their cargo.
According to Asipona Lázaro Cárdenas, in 2024, deep-sea traffic was the most relevant, representing 91% of the total cargo volume. Within this, imports accounted for 65% , standing out as the main segment, while exports accounted for 26% of global movement.
During his participation, Julio César Cortés , president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) Lázaro Cárdenas Region , highlighted the importance of modifying customs as imperative , and emphasized that port schedules must also be reconsidered, so that they are more dynamic in their operations, which would impact the well-being of workers and their families.
“Entry and exit times help to increase efficiency, and this initiative would also contribute to the development of the community where the ports are located,” he said.
Another of the problems addressed at the event was the traffic congestion at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas. This was commented by Sergio Orozco Caballero , from Servicios al Comercio y Transportes Garusi , who said that this situation has generated high levels of pollution and insecurity.
In an interview with T21 , he indicated that this situation is due to the schedules managed by the Lázaro Cárdenas customs office, which do not allow the dispatch of merchandise to be cut off at one in the afternoon because after that there are no appointments to take it out or collect it.
“This is causing problems for all types of transport, which are parked all over the main avenue and in other parts of the city and along the highway, which has caused many accidents,” he stressed.
Also present at the event were Marcelo Padilla Gómez Tagle , president of the Executive Committee of the Association of Customs Agents of Lázaro Cárdenas (AAALAC) ; Saúl Alejandro Cuevas , director of SOMI Transportes; Jorge Medina , general director of Transpoint Intermoda , among others.
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