International trade and border planning

International trade is big business in Texas

The International Trade and Border Planning Branch strengthens the state of Texas' economic competitiveness in international trade through collaboration and coordination with local, regional, state, national, and binational stakeholders. The branch's efforts include, but are not limited to:

Implementing binational planning, policy, and program strategies in coordination with the three TXDOT border districts: El Paso, Laredo, and Pharr.
Developing regional and cross-border feasibility studies and reports on economic development, trade, and the movement of people and goods.
The development/implementation of the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan.
Representing the agency on binational committees like the US-Mexico Joint Working Committee on Transportation Planning and the US-Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group.
Coordination of the Border Trade Advisory Committee, a legislatively mandated committee that serves as a forum for agency transportation decisions affecting trade and the movement of freight at the Texas border.

International trade and border facts

In 2024, Texas tops all U.S. states in exports for the 23rd consecutive year, shipping $455 billion worth of goods around the globe
Texas has 34 border crossings, more than any other U.S. state.
In 2024, the Texas–Mexico border processed nearly 66 percent ($553 billion) of all U.S.–Mexico trade.
Mexico is Texas’ largest trading partner and plays a vital role in the state of Texas and global economies.
Texas has more airports, miles of public roadways, state highways, freight railways, border crossings, and foreign-trade zones than any other state in the nation.
Texas-Mexico border communities create jobs and enhances the quality of life for all in the region.
In 2021, small businesses account for nearly 93% of Texas exporters.