U.S. House Approves Sanctions Against Mexico in Vulcan Materials Port Dispute

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure that increases pressure on Mexico in its ongoing dispute with Vulcan Materials over a project in Punta Venado, Quintana Roo, with lawmakers arguing the Mexican government’s actions threaten U.S. investments.

With a vote of 247 in favor and 164 against, Republican and Democratic legislators backed an initiative that includes sanctions against ports considered “confiscated,” referring to the maritime terminal linked to the case.

The proposal’s sponsor, Republican August Pfluger, accused Mexico of maintaining a systematic strategy against the U.S. company.

“We are facing a coordinated, multi-front campaign by Mexico against a U.S. company,” he said.

The lawmaker stated that over four years, Washington exhausted diplomatic channels without success.

“Congress has sent letters, the Administration has made efforts, and bilateral pressures have been applied, but none of it has had an effect,” he argued in justifying the initiative’s approval.

The measure is part of the Defending American Property Abroad Act, which stipulates that no vessel that has passed through a port classified as confiscated in the Americas may dock at U.S. ports.

The conflict stems from the Mexican government’s occupation of the maritime terminal in 2023, as well as the 2024 declaration of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto biological corridor as a Protected Natural Area.

In parallel, Vulcan Materials is pursuing international arbitration before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, alleging impacts on its concession, which remains valid until 2037.