Mexico’s Largest Container Port Gradually Reopens Customs Strike: $150M in Losses Reported

Mexico’s busiest container port, Manzanillo, has begun slowly resuming operations following a four-day strike by customs workers that severely disrupted logistics flows, container movements, and government revenue collection.

From May 12 to May 16, customs officers at the Port of Manzanillo, located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, initiated a work stoppage due to accusations of workplace harassment, inadequate staffing, and demands for improved working conditions and extended customs hours.

According to port and logistics officials, revenue losses have reached an estimated $150 million as drayage operations, rail access, and container releases were all suspended during the strike. The port typically processes nearly 4 million TEUs annually and moves over 4,000 trucks daily, making it a vital hub for Mexico’s international trade.

1. Backlog to Take Weeks to Clear

Guillermo del Río, President of the Western Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry Association, confirmed that drayage trucks began limited movement of cargo on this Monday, but warned that normal port activity may take two to three weeks to resume. "A large amount of uncleared material has accumulated," del Río said. “Rail access has just reopened, and bulk cargo is starting to leave. But new shipments haven’t been scheduled yet.”

To address the backlog, logistics providers and terminal operators are recruiting additional staff to expedite cargo clearance. However, lingering disruption is expected to impact freight timelines, supply chain reliability, and customs revenue collection.

2. Federal Intervention and Administrative Changes

While some reports suggest customs workers ended the strike voluntarily after discussions with federal authorities, the Manzanillo Freight Transport Union claimed government officials intervened late Thursday night to forcibly remove and arrest certain customs staff to restore port operations.

In a significant leadership shakeup, Adm. Mario Alberto Gasque Peña was dismissed as head of the Manzanillo Port Authority following a board meeting on Friday. He has been replaced by Adm. Guillermo Mejía George.

3. Industry Outlook

The Manzanillo strike underscores the vulnerability of key supply chain nodes to labor unrest, especially in ports with high container throughput. Businesses relying on Mexican Pacific routes are advised to:

• Closely monitor port updates and carrier advisories
• Prepare contingency plans for rerouting or transshipment
• Adjust inventory forecasts due to potential delivery lags

As port operations ramp up, the coming weeks will be critical in restoring fluidity across regional supply chains and mitigating further financial losses.

Real Logistics will continue to monitor the Manzanillo recovery closely and assist clients with real-time updates, contingency routing, and customs support to minimize the impact of this disruption.

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