U.S.-Mexico border crossings in Texas were the focus of attention this week after a decision by Texas Governor Abbott to increase required inspections in response to the upcoming expiration of Title 42, which had temporarily allowed the federal government to turn back asylum seekers at the border in response to the Covid-19 emergency. Long delays caused by the implementation of these secondary inspections by the Texas Department of Public Safety led to trucker protests and a blockade of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. Transporters of fresh produce were especially concerned by extended wait times impacting the condition of their cargoes. By Wednesday afternoon, the blockade ended after an agreement was reached for Mexican officials to conduct their own inspections for commercial traffic.
Movement of Mexican asparagus crossings though Calexico, California, and San Luis Arizona, expected to decrease. Trading was slow on organic and moderate on others. Prices on 28 lb cartons/crates higher and others generally unchanged. Shipping for the Easter pull largely wrapped up by early in the week and a few shippers have finished for the season. Movement of Peru asparagus through South Florida ports of entry is expected to increase slightly as more shippers increase imports this week and next, but to remain very light through the beginning of next week.
Trading moderate on very light supplies, and no F.O.B. report is currently being issued. The first F.O.B. report is expected the week of either April 10 or April 17, when both volumes and numbers of shippers are sufficient to issue a report. Quality is reported as variable but generally good.