BROWNSVILLE, Texas – As first reported in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, the Texas Association of Business has launched Texas Leads Trade, a coalition uniting business leaders to strengthen North America’s economic ties.
Among the members of the new coalition from South Texas are Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, CIL, IBC Bank, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande Valley Partnership, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mission-based Texas International Produce Association, and United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce.
“As the top exporting state for 23 consecutive years, Texas thrives on robust trade relationships that fuel job creation, economic growth, and global competitiveness,” said TAB President & CEO Glenn Hamer. “Through Texas Leads Trade, we are bringing together industry leaders to safeguard and expand these vital partnerships.”
Hamer says the new coalition is grounded in the principle that robust North American trade is good for Texas. He says the group has attracted over 30 key stakeholders, including:
- Bienvenidos
- Borderplex Alliance
- Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Brownsville Chamber of Commerce
- CIL Commodities Integrated Logistics
- Constellation Brands
- Dell Technologies
- El Paso Chamber of Commerce
- El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
- Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- General Motors
- Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Houston Partnership
- Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- HP Inc
- IBC Bank
- Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce
- NASCO Network
- North Texas Commission
- Precision Task Group
- RGV Hispanic Chamber
- RGV Partnership
- San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Texas Association of Manufacturers
- Texas International Produce Association
- Texas Trucking Association
- Union Pacific Railroad
- United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
- US Chamber of Commerce
Here are a few comments from some of the leaders in the new coalition:
Dennis Nixon, CEO and chairman, of Laredo-based IBC Bank and co-chair of the Trade Policy Working Group for the US-MX CEO Dialogue, US Chamber of Commerce:
“NAFTA and USMCA are free trade agreements that have allowed the North American economy to grow and prosper, benefiting over 500 million people who live and work in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Thirty years of integration has resulted in one giant economy producing over $30 trillion in GDP each year. These trade agreements have enabled the region to compete in the global economy by drawing on the unique resources and skills of each country, thereby bringing prosperity to their citizens and sharing that prosperity around the world. Applying tariffs will destroy the economic miracle that is USMCA. Our goal should be free and fair trade-based reciprocity so that all nations can participate in the global economy. USMCA must be preserved to protect our future.”
Gerry Schwebel, executive vice president, Corporate International, IBC Bank and Member of the US Mexico Economic Council of the US Chamber of Commerce:
“Texas has the most to gain from robust trade policies with our two strongest economic partners—Mexico and Canada. It is critical that we Texans show a united front with the Texas Leads Trade Coalition by delivering a strong message that working together we can thrive economically and continue to lead the nation as the Go To State to grow your business.”
Dr. Laura Murillo, president & CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:
“The USMCA is the gold standard of trade pacts, and any disruption its tenets will significantly impact the region’s business and economy.”
Sergio Contreras, TAB’s RGV regional chair and CEO of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP.
“International trade boosts Texas’ economy by creating jobs and expanding market access. Texas Leads Trade is championing policies that keep our businesses competitive.”
Chris Wallace, president & CEO of the North Texas Commission:
“The North Texas region makes up over one-third of our state’s GDP, and much of that success is export-dependent. We look forward to working with our leaders to focus on trade policy solutions that will allow our economy to continue to thrive.”
A TAB press release said that with leadership transitions underway in Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., and the 2026 USMCA review on the horizon, “Texas Leads Trade will advocate for tariff-free trade, reduced non-tariff barriers, modernized infrastructure, and fair economic practices to maintain Texas’ global edge.”
The press release also stated: “With Texas trade reaching $281 billion with Mexico and $75 billion with Canada in 2024, Texas Leads Trade will serve as a unified voice advocating for policies that secure supply chains, promote economic stability, and enhance North America’s global competitiveness.
Editor’s Note: To learn more about the coalition and how yoir organization can get involved, contact TAB’s David Zapata at dzapata@txbiz.org
