The National Security Council this afternoon released a statement on the reported seizure of Birmingham’s Vulcan Materials’ terminal on the Yucatán Peninsula.
An NSC spokesman, communicating with AL.com, said:
“We are aware of the reports and are always concerned about the fair treatment of our companies in Mexico. We speak regularly with Mexican officials about our expectation that U.S. companies be treated fairly and in accordance with all trade obligations. We also note that failure to do so has the potential to impact our ability to achieve our shared vision for improving livelihoods in one of Mexico’s most economically disadvantaged regions and Mexico’s ability to attract future investments.”
Vulcan Materials says Mexican armed forces took over its facility in the country’s southeastern most state on Tuesday, despite a court ordered stay on any government action to confiscate the property.
Vulcan Materials also says that workers from Mexican-based building materials company Cemex were part of the takeover.
According to Bloomberg, Reforma newspaper published video footage showing police cars and vehicles branded with Cemex’s logo entering the plant.
Cemex has not responded to a request for comment.
According to Global Cement, the dispute is just the latest chapter in a dispute between Vulcan and the Mexican government over the installation, which has been shuttered since last May.