Swine Flu Outbreak May Slow Cross-Border Resolution With Mexico

The international swine flu outbreak may complicate resolution of the cross-border trucking dispute with Mexico, Reuters reported Monday.

Concerns over public health might slow U.S. officials in their attempts to open U.S. highways to Mexican trucks, Reuters said, citing an international trade consultant.

Although the flu outbreak — which appeared to be centered in Mexico City — and U.S.-Mexican border violence will not affect how the trucking dispute is resolved, both issues may affect the speed of the resolution, Reuters said.

President Obama and other U.S. officials have said that they are committed to opening the border to Mexican trucks. After Congress ended the program earlier this year, Mexico responded by imposing tariffs on U.S. exports.