Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
At RGV Startup Week, held at the Pharr Global Business Hub in Pharr, Luis Bazan shared updates on trade activity and infrastructure at the Pharr International Bridge during a panel titled “Move Faster: The Trade, Logistics, and Access Advantage,” moderated by Rick Carrera of COSTEP and joined by Guillermo Rico representing the Port of Brownsville.
Bazan reported continued growth in cross-border traffic. “Both northbound and southbound traffic are up about 14 to 15% compared to last year,” he said. He added that the bridge handles “about 1.2 to 1.3 million trucks that cross through this bridge every year,” and that recent data shows “we’re growing about 5 to 7%” based on a seven-day moving average.
He described the bridge as a central trade route. “We’re crossing the majority of cargo through this bridge. It’s a primary hub for trade,” Bazan said. He emphasized that trade activity remains steady despite external pressures. “Commerce isn’t stopping. Regardless of tariffs or external factors, business continues to move.”
Bazan addressed cargo composition and clarified common assumptions about the port’s activity. “Manufactured goods make up about 75% of the cargo value, while produce accounts for about 18%,” he said. “Produce is not the majority in terms of value—that’s a common misconception.” He noted that the bridge continues to lead in agricultural imports. “We continue to be the number one produce bridge, but we serve many other industries.” He added that “about 215,000 truckloads of fresh produce” move through the bridge annually.
On infrastructure, Bazan said the ongoing expansion project is nearing completion. “The bridge expansion is over 90% complete. We’re in the final phase and expect to be fully operational by May or June,” he said.
Bazan also outlined efforts to expand logistics capabilities through regional partnerships. “We’re working on a market integration and logistics study to see how feasible it is to connect with air—specifically the airport in Reynosa,” he said. He added that the initiative includes coordination between rail and maritime transport. “We’re exploring partnerships to become more intermodal—connecting air, rail, and sea.”
He referenced ongoing collaboration with the Port of Brownsville. “We’ve had an MOU with the Port of Brownsville for several years and want to rekindle that relationship,” Bazan said. “The goal is to move products from ships to trucks and across into Mexico through our bridge.”
Bazan said new business activity continues to emerge. “We’re seeing new developments and capturing new trade from other areas. New accounts are being opened,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bazan said planning efforts are focused on identifying future cargo opportunities. “We’re conducting a study to better understand what products could move—potentially microchips, automotive components, and more,” he said.
