On May 12, 2025, Customs personnel at the Port of Manzanillo halted operations, significantly disrupting the flow of transport and delaying customs clearance for foreign trade. 

The strike lasted until May 17, 2025, when the Port Administration (ASIPONA) announced the resumption of operations. However, terminal operators reported that appointments had to be postponed and reassigned due to the resulting backlog.

During the strike, ASIPONA noted that customs staffing remained limited, further complicating the situation. Delays persisted even after operations resumed, as the port worked to recover from the period of inactivity.

These types of operational disruptions typically result in:

• Cargo accumulation and bottlenecks in loading and unloading.
• Rescheduling of vessel and land transport itineraries.
• Disruptions to internal and external logistics requiring time to realign.
• Temporary closure of terminal systems to manage appointment scheduling.

Since the strike ended, port operations have remained unstable. Terminals frequently cancel afternoon appointments without prior notice due to ongoing capacity and staffing constraints, contributing to a persistent backlog. Appointment availability remains limited, and systems are intermittently closed to manage demand.

The Port Administration continues efforts to restore normal operations and minimize the impact on the logistics chain. Nevertheless, terminals will maintain standard storage charges, even during periods of congestion.

To help you explore this topic further, here are some valuable resources that provide in-depth insights and practical information:

• Association of Customs Agents of the Port of Manzanillo (AAAPUMAC) - May 14, 2025
• Secretaria de Marina - May 15, 2025
• Secretaria de Marina - May 16, 2025
• Secretaria de Marina - May 17, 2025
• SSA Marine Mexico - May 19, 2025

Please reach out to your local Expeditors representative if you have any questions or concerns.