U.S., Mexico closer to resolving trucking dispute

In March 2009, U.S. lawmakers canceled funding for a test program begun by the Bush administration that allowed Mexican long-haul trucks to circulate in the United States, citing safety and security concerns.

The truck ban prompted Mexico to slap retaliatory tariffs on a long list of U.S. exports, including potato products, fruit and industrial goods, worth an estimated $2.4 billion.

But U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, visiting Mexico this week, said President Barack Obama had pushed Congress to remove the clause cutting funding for the program in recent legislation, a first step toward resolving the dispute.

"We have been able to work with Congress and Obama is very pleased that the language in the 2009 appropriations bill -- that essentially cut off the funding for the demonstration safety program -- was not included in the 2010 appropriations bill,"Kirk told Reuters in an interview.

"By removing that prohibitory language, we just now have a green light to engage Congress again more thoughtfully."