Paper Short Abstract:

Fayuca, a term used in Mexico to refer to merchandise smuggled across the border, is a phenomenon characteristic of border economies. This paper describes how people living along the Mexico-Belize border assert their right to move fayuca across the border and maintain their livelihoods.

Paper Abstract:

Fayuca, a term used in Mexico to refer to merchandise smuggled across the border and sold on the informal market, is a phenomenon characteristic of border economies and "globalization from below." The community of Subteniente López, located on the banks of the Rio Hondo in southern Quintana Roo, is the most important crossing point into Belize and the Corozal Free Zone. Most villagers earn a living by working as “hormigas” or "ants”, people who walk across the international bridge and bring fayuca with them on their way back into Mexico. Their livelihoods depend on access to the old bridge that connects their community to the Corozal Free Zone. The opening of a "new" international bridge called "Chactemal" on the periphery of the town and the closure of the old bridge will pose a serious threat to the economic survival of the community. This paper describes how, over the past decade, community members have asserted their right to use the old bridge to move fayuca across the border while striving to maintain their livelihoods in the context of limited economic opportunities.