AMLO seizes U.S.-owned port in final week as Mexico's leader. SELL SILVER MINERS IF THEY ARE OPERATING IN MEXICO.
Mexico's Expropriation of Vulcan Materials' Port and Quarry
Mexico has finalized plans to take control of a port and quarry owned by Vulcan Materials Co. on its Caribbean coast.
The government declared the land south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen a natural protected area, effectively preventing Vulcan from extracting limestone at the site.
Vulcan's Response
Vulcan Materials Co. has called the expropriation "unlawful" and a violation of Mexico's commitments under North American trade agreements.
The company plans to add these recent measures to an ongoing arbitration case against the Mexican government.
Political Context
This move comes in President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's (AMLO) final week in office, marking another action against foreign business interests during his term.
It follows a pattern of government interventions in foreign-owned businesses under AMLO's administration.
Economic Implications
The expropriation may have long-term effects on US-Mexico trade and investment relations.
Vulcan's shares fell 1.2% to $249.46 in New York following the news.
International Reaction
A bipartisan group of US senators has proposed legislation to pressure AMLO to reverse the expropriation plan.
The US Ambassador to Mexico has warned that such actions may diminish companies' confidence in Mexico as an investment destination.
Future Outlook
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who takes office on October 1, has not commented publicly on the Vulcan issue since her election.
However, she previously expressed hope that the company would accept the government's offer to purchase the land