Mexican President Felipe Calderón made an official visit to Washington, D.C., this week to discuss a variety of issues related to the bilateral relationship between the two countries. One of the most significant issues was the need for a resolution of the current dispute over access for Mexican trucks in the United States.

In March 2009, the $410 billion omnibus appropriations bill signed by President Obama eliminated the funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Cross Border Trucking Pilot Program with Mexico. The program, which allowed Mexican trucks to deliver goods to U.S. destinations, was designed to fulfill U.S. obligations to Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

In response, Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs on $2.4 billion worth of imports from the United States, and Mexican officials have continuously expressed their frustration with the administration's lack of attention to the issue. This week's state visit, however, brought a renewed focus to the situation.

"The President recognizes the importance of this issue for President Calderón and for Mexico," said a senior White House official during a press briefing preceding the state visit. The official emphasized that the administration is committed to "working forward to find a solution that takes into account the interests and concerns of all stakeholders."

Although dairy exports are not currently on the tariff list, Mexico is one of the dairy industry's largest export destinations. Resolution of the issue will ensure that U.S. dairy trade with Mexico will remain uninterrupted in the future.