Mobile Courant

This week marks the second anniversary of the Mexican government's controversial shutdown of Vulcan port in Quintana Roo. U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have penned a letter to Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, imploring her to address the Mexican government’s treatment of Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Company.

The Mexican government has been accused of illegally invading and closing Vulcan’s deep-water port in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Mexican President Lopez Obrador has repeatedly threatened to forcibly take over Vulcan’s port and limestone quarry, potentially driving their operations out of Mexico, despite the company’s established presence in Mexico for over 35 years.

Senator Tuberville stated, “Alabama is proud to be home to the world-renowned Vulcan Materials Company. The Mexican government’s hostility toward Vulcan is unwarranted and jeopardizes the long-standing bilateral relationship between Mexico and the U.S."

Senator Britt expressed similar sentiments: “President López Obrador’s conduct threatening Vulcan’s lawful operations in Mexico has consistently been unacceptable and illegitimate under Mexican law and international law."

Senator Hagerty added his voice to the chorus of condemnation: “I strongly condemn the actions taken by President López Obrador to illegally seize the lawful assets of Vulcan Materials Company."

The senators' letter further elaborates on these concerns, detailing how persistent threats from the Government of Mexico have negatively impacted infrastructure developments in both countries and undermined their bilateral relationship.

Senators Tuberville and Britt, along with other members of the Alabama delegation, have consistently advocated for Vulcan in its ongoing dispute with Mexico. They continue to call on the Biden Administration to take action against aggression by Mexico against American companies with investments or operations in Mexico.