Maquiladoras and South Texas Border Economic Development

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the findings of research efforts to identify the potential for developing a south Texas maquiladora supply industry.

Specific objectives of the study include:
1. Identification of the current market size for component parts and materials purchased by maquiladora plants operating along the south Texas-Mexico border from Brownsville, Texas/Matamoros, Mexico to Laredo, Texas/Nuevo Laredo, Mexico;
2. Determination of the interest level that the maquiladora plants have for replacing long distance supply sources with local sources;
3. Identification of the present level of local supply activity and plans that south Texas manufacturers have for future expansion;
4. Identification of impediments to the establishment and growth of a maquiladora supply industry in south Texas.