Sullivan found that during the 2009 holiday season, an average travel party of Mexican national cross-border shoppers spent $1,583 (U.S.) daily during their trip to the United States. There were approximately five people in each travel party. Researchers from Texas State and Florida State tracked the spending of Mexican nationals by interviewing shoppers at the San Marcos outlet malls. The sample was 57.3 percent male and 46.7 percent female, with an average age of 41.

Mexican national cross-border shopper travel parties spent on average $768 for apparel, $140 for lodging, $115 on meals and beverages, $65 at grocery stores, $81 on ground transportation and $368 for other shopping and purchases. Their contribution to the U.S. economy came to approximately $1,568 per trip day, approximately $4,700 per trip and $11,500 annually. About 96 percent of Mexican national cross-border tourist shoppers purchase apparel, and their average daily expenditure is $768.

“This study shows that open borders bring in export dollars,” Sullivan said. “Cross-border shoppers spend their money in the U.S., and that helps reduce the trade deficit. It’s really a positive thing for the economy.”