Federal travel restrictions impact Laredo economy
Non-essential travelers are essential for the border economy, local officials say
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LAREDO, Texas – Federal travel restrictions imposed after the pandemic began in March, on a month-to-month basis, have taken a toll on border economies.
Mexican shoppers who fall under the government’s non-essential category, are indeed essential to Laredo’s economy, said Miguel Conchas, longtime president and CEO of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s been a major problem for us,” Conchas said.
Conchas said shoppers who would come to Laredo from throughout Mexico, represented 40% of the city’s retail sales. He said many would also travel to San Antonio.