The Port of Hueneme welcomed government officials from the State of Chiapas, Mexico, in mid-November for a series of meetings focused on expanding commercial ties and strengthening trade routes between California and southern Mexico. The visit underscored the Port’s growing role as a key gateway for U.S.–Mexico commerce. Mexico remains one of Hueneme’s top trading partners, ranking eighth by value and fifth by volume, with more than $483 million in cargo and over 10,000 TEUs moving through the port each year.
The delegation included Conrado de la Cruz, Undersecretary of Commerce for the Chiapas Secretary of Economy, and César Rodríguez Márquez, Coordinator of Agricultural and Agro-industrial Financing and Marketing for the Chiapas Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Port leadership hosted the officials for a tour and strategic discussions centered on agricultural trade, cold-chain logistics, and opportunities to strengthen supply chain connectivity.
According to a news release issued by the Port, Oxnard Harbor District President Jess J. Ramirez emphasized the importance of this ongoing partnership. “Mexico is one of our most important trade partners, and we deeply value the longstanding friendship and shared vision that connect our regions. This visit demonstrates our ongoing commitment to expand opportunities that benefit the people of California and Mexico through shared prosperity, innovation, and collaboration.”
Port of Hueneme commissioners and executives met with the Chiapas representatives to explore ways to support the region’s agricultural growth and enhance trade flows. Chiapas currently sends an estimated seventy to one hundred containers of imports through the Port each year, with products including bananas shipped by Chiquita and coffee imported by GWF. California exports, such as dairy products, help strengthen reciprocal ties between the regions. Workforce development was another focal point of the discussion as the Port continues to prepare local communities for careers in maritime and logistics fields.
CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas said the visit highlighted shared goals for expanding sustainable and inclusive trade. “By strengthening supply chain connectivity between California and Mexico, we can expand opportunity, support our agricultural communities, and advance sustainable, inclusive trade that benefits families and businesses on both sides of the border,” she said in the release.
Port Commissioners also voiced support for deeper collaboration. Commissioner Jess Herrera noted the role modern ports play in clean logistics. Commissioner Celina Zacarias emphasized the cultural and economic ties linking California and Mexico, expressing optimism for continued cooperation.
The visit marks another milestone in the Port’s broader engagement with Mexico and Latin American partners. As global supply chains evolve and the demand for efficient, environmentally responsible trade corridors increases, the Port of Hueneme continues to position itself as a leader in refrigerated cargo, agricultural imports and exports, and binational economic development. The Port has made significant investments in clean technology, green logistics programs, and job training as part of its long-term strategy to support maritime commerce while advancing environmental stewardship.
