Experts are warning of the fallout to the auto industry if President Trump shuts down the U.S.-Mexico border.
“It would be a major disruption” David Cole, director-emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research, told NBC News of a possible border shutdown.
{mosads} “Any action that stops commerce at the border would be harmful to the U.S. economy, and in particular, the auto industry,” said another expert, Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council trade group. “Access to Mexico’s market place and North American integration are critical to operations in the U.S.”
President Trump tweeted Friday that he would close the border or large sections of it unless Mexico stopped all illegal immigration to the U.S. from the Southern border.
“If Mexico doesn’t immediately stop ALL illegal immigration coming into the United States throug [sic] our Southern Border, I will be CLOSING…..” he tweeted. “….the Border, or large sections of the Border, next week.”
Trump has since shifted, telling reporters on Tuesday that he would close the border if he cannot reach a stricter immigration agreement with Congress.
“I haven’t made that intention known. And I’m ready to close it if I have to close it,” he said.
The head of Customs and Border Protection said last week that the immigration system at the border had reached a “breaking point” amid a new rise in the number of migrants.
If Trump were to close the border, other industries and goods could also be affected. The head of the world’s top avocado distributer told Reuters that the U.S. would run out of avocados in three weeks if the border was closed.