TAMIU's Dr. Covarrubias Shares Border Economics Expertise with Top-Ranked University of Tennessee Supply Chain Program
Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, director of Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development (TCBEED), delivered a virtual presentation to graduate students at the University of Tennessee (UT Knoxville), Haslam College of Business this past Monday, October 28, 2024.
The presentation, "Nearshoring & Economic Impact on the Southern Border – Port Laredo," was part of the Fall 2024 Supply Chain Management 548 Global Supply Chain Management course.
The invitation to present came from Dr. Don Maier, associate professor of practice at Haslam College of Business, which was recently ranked No. 1 in North America for graduate supply chain management programs by Gartner's 2024 Top 25 Supply Chain University rankings and No. 4 in Supply Chain Management /Logistics programs by U.S. News and World Report.
During his presentation, Dr. Covarrubias shared insights on the complex reality of nearshoring in México, highlighting the paradox between investment patterns and trade growth. He discussed how, while foreign direct investment has remained relatively flat, trade volumes have grown at more than six times the rate of the overall economy, with México emerging as the United States' top trading partner.
"The nearshoring phenomenon presents a fascinating paradox that challenges our conventional understanding of supply chain shifts," Covarrubias noted, "While investment figures might not reflect the expected boom, the extraordinary growth in trade volumes and the deepening integration of North American supply chains tell a compelling story about the future of regional commerce."
Dr. Luis Perez-Batres, dean of the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, emphasized the significance of Dr. Covarrubias's engagement with top-tier institutions.
“Dr. Covarrubias’ invitation to present at the nation's leading graduate supply chain management program reflects the growing recognition of TAMIU's expertise in cross-border economics and international trade. His contributions continue to elevate our School's profile and strengthen our position as a key voice in understanding U.S. - México trade dynamics," Dr. Perez observed.
Covarrubias' presentation addressed critical aspects of the evolving trade landscape, including the growth of the manufacturing sector, particularly in electrical equipment, automotive, and computer accessories production, and the implications of upcoming policy challenges such as the 2026 United States- México-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review.
Covarrubias' insights draw from his extensive research, recently published in his book Navigating the New Era of U.S.- México Trade: Infrastructure, Technology, and the Future of Cross-Border Trade. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving trade landscape between the two nations, examining the critical role of infrastructure development, technological advancement, and policy considerations in shaping the future of cross-border commerce.
The engagement with UT Knoxville’s prestigious supply chain program highlights TAMIU's commitment to sharing expertise and fostering dialogue about the crucial role of the U.S.-Mexico border region in global supply chains. UT Knoxville is a public research university. It was founded in 1794 and is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system. It has over 30,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.
This presentation adds to Covarrubias' recent appearances at major industry forums, demonstrating TAMIU's expanding influence in shaping discussions around international trade, supply chain management, and border economics.
For more information about TAMIU's TCBEED and its research initiatives, please visit http://texascenter.tamiu.edu, email Dr. Covarrubias at dcova@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2520, or visit offices located in Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall, room 216.
Registration for the Wintermester and Spring 2025 at TAMIU begins Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at 8 a.m.
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