Mexico manzanillo port paralyzed over 4000 trucks stuck

May 14, 2025 — Mexico’s busiest Pacific port, Port of Manzanillo, has ground to a halt as a large-scale customs strike paralyzed port operations. Since Monday, customs officers have blocked all key entrances, leaving over 4,000 trucks stranded and over 100,000 tons of cargo stuck, disrupting vital trade flows between China and Mexico.

This disruption highlights the deep-rooted challenges in the logistics infrastructure of emerging markets.

Key Impact:

4,000+ trucks delayed

$ 20 M+ loss in perishable cargo

$2.3B trade loss for every 24 hours of downtime

1,500+ businesses affected

Protesters' Core Demands:

Excessive working hours: up to 18 hours/day, 6 days/week

Delayed salaries and missing social security payments

Outdated infrastructure: 30% of customs procedures still paper-based

Staff shortages: only 300 officers handling over 2,000 daily cases

⚠️ Strategic Implications:

As 42% of China–Mexico maritime trade passes through Manzanillo, this port crisis reveals the vulnerability of key logistics hubs. Military-style customs management and insufficient investment in port digitalization have compounded the issue.

For cross-border businesses, this is a timely reminder to reassess risk management, diversify logistics routes, and advocate for fair labor practices.