The Mexican government says it will not remain passive in response to the 25% tariffs that the United States has begun to impose on Mexico and Canada.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum called the US’ 25pc tariff on all Mexican goods unjustified but is withholding details of her government’s planned counter-tariffs and other measures until Sunday.
“There is no reason, rationale or justification to support this decision, which will hurt our people and countries,” Sheinbaum said, emphasizing that “nobody wins with this decision.”
Mexico’s government has collaborated closely with the US on drug trafficking, security and migration issues, Sheinbaum said.
She highlighted Mexico’s efforts to halt the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the US as well as action taken against organized crime.
Mexico’s industrial association (Coparmex) said the 25pc tariffs violate the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) free trade agreement that was negotiated under Trump’s first administration and weaken integration of the economies. This would likely trigger a recession in Mexico and generate inflationary pressures, the group said.
