Every day, thousands of trucks rumble across the bridges connecting the Port of Laredo to Mexico, carrying billions in goods that fuel the North American economy, according to the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). At the controls of this operation are professionals who understand the intricate choreography of global commerce. For the last two decades, as of 2025, Texas has dominated U.S. exports, turning strategic geography into unmatched trade leadership, according to the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office.
The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Trade and Logistics program from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) places ambitious professionals at this nexus of global commerce. There, students master import and export operations, such as preparing essential documentation, such as customs and commercial invoices, complying with government controls and navigating logistics procedures.
What Is International Trade and Logistics?
International trade encompasses the exchange of goods and services across borders, creating economic relationships that drive global prosperity. It demands expertise in customs procedures, trade agreements and regulatory frameworks. Documentation, compliance and logistics form the essential toolkit for international commerce.
Logistics coordinates the movement of products from manufacturers to consumers worldwide. This discipline includes transportation management, inventory control and distribution. Effective logistics ensures goods flow efficiently through supply chains, minimizing costs while maintaining customer satisfaction and competitive advantages. Professionals who understand both trade regulations and logistics operations are invaluable to organizations expanding internationally.
Texas Global Trade Powerhouse
Texas has dominated U.S. exports for over two decades, shipping goods valued at $339 billion globally in 2024, per the LEDC. With 23 seaports, 26 commercial airports and the country’s most extensive roadway and railway network, the state provides exceptional connectivity for global trade. Located centrally within North America, Texas serves as a bridge between the U.S., Mexico, Canada and international markets. This positioning allows businesses to access major consumer markets while minimizing transportation costs.
Texas has built a business environment that promotes international commerce. The state’s International Business & Trade Team helps small companies develop global markets, while 35 foreign trade zones offer valuable tax benefits, per the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. These initiatives have established Texas as the country’s top destination for foreign investment, attracting 2,170 foreign corporations.
Laredo World Trade Port of Entry
At the heart of Texas’ trade dominance stands the Port of Laredo, ranked number one in the nation among more than 450 airports, seaports and border crossings, according to the LEDC. Its location along the U.S.-Mexico border has established it as the principal conduit for North American trade. Between the World Trade Bridge and Colombia, approximately 14,000 commercial trucks cross daily, operating at only 40% of capacity. This throughput enables efficient movement of goods between the U.S. and Mexico, supporting manufacturing operations on both sides of the border.
Laredo also offers impressive multimodal capabilities. Rail service moved 214,727 cars through the port in 2024, while the Laredo International Airport handled nearly 800 million pounds of air cargo. For professionals with expertise in international trade, the Port of Laredo represents a center of exceptional career opportunities.
International Trade and Logistics Jobs
The global logistics market is expected to generate more than $12 billion by 2030, up from just over $4 billion in 2022. This growth creates a substantial demand for professionals with specialized knowledge in international trade and logistics. For ambitious professionals seeking advancement, Texas offers unprecedented opportunities in this expanding field.
Companies engaged in global trade need experts who understand the complexities of international commerce. Supply chain managers, customs compliance specialists, trade finance analysts and logistics coordinators are essential to successful international business operations. These positions offer attractive compensation and advancement opportunities within organizations expanding globally.
The Texas economy supports over one million jobs related to exports, more than any other state, according to the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. Small businesses account for 92% of Texas exporters, showing that international trade careers exist across organizations of all sizes. As global trade increases in complexity and volume, Texas companies increasingly value professionals who can optimize supply chains, ensure regulatory compliance and identify new market opportunities.
Join a Thriving Texas Industry With an International Trade and Logistics MBA From TAMIU
The MBA in International Trade and Logistics online program from TAMIU prepares professionals for leadership roles in global commerce. This AACSB-accredited program delivers comprehensive instruction in critical areas of international trade and logistics. The curriculum explores government controls, compliance requirements and logistics procedures.
The program strengthens general business competencies through courses in management concepts, business research methods and financial analysis. This balanced approach ensures graduates possess both technical expertise and leadership skills. Students can complete the degree in as few as 12 months, and qualified applicants may receive GMAT/GRE waivers. As Texas maintains its trade leadership, professionals with specialized education gain significant competitive advantages in the job market. Earning this education with TAMIU positions graduates to thrive in one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy.
Learn more about Texas A&M International University’s online MBA in International Trade and Logistics program.
