Mexico’s stance on US tariffs
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, described as “unfair and unsustainable” the 50% tariffs imposed by Donald Trump’s government on steel and aluminum exports. During her morning conference “Las Mañaneras del Pueblo”, the president argued that this measure lacks an economic and legal basis, given the trade deficit that Mexico maintains in these sectors.
“We import more steel than we export to the United States,” Sheinbaum explained, highlighting the inconsistency of applying trade barriers when there is no surplus on the part of Mexico. Furthermore, he stressed that both countries actively collaborate in areas such as security and migration, which reinforces the need for equitable treatment in trade matters.
Impact on the industry and employment
In an emphatic statement, the president emphasized the priority of protecting workers and the national industry: “The 50% tariffs seriously affect the metallurgical sector and thousands of jobs”. Mexico seeks to renegotiate the terms within the framework of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC), with the aim of establishing clear long-term rules.
Sheinbaum announced that, if an agreement is not reached, his administration will implement compensatory measures to safeguard local production. At the same time, the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, and his American counterpart, Howard Lutnick, are holding technical dialogues to resolve the dispute.
Diplomatic management and legislative pressure
In a complementary effort, a delegation of Mexican senators traveled to Washington to avoid the imposition of taxes on remittances. Ignacio Mier Velazco, Morena’s deputy coordinator in the Senate, led meetings with US legislators and migrant advocacy groups, arguing that taxing these transfers would be harmful to both economies.
This bilateral strategy reflects Mexico’s approach: combine trade negotiations with political alliances, always under the principle of “mutual respect and equity”. Sheinbaum reiterated that his government will not accept asymmetric conditions, even in the face of pressure from the world’s largest economy.
Contextual analysis
International trade experts point out that Trump’s tariffs respond to a recurring protectionist policy, but their application to Mexico – its third largest trading partner – could alter regional supply chains. Data from the National Chamber of the Steel Industry (Canacero) reveal that 80% of Mexican exports of this material are destined for the United States, which amplifies the economic risk.
Mexico, for its part, has diversified its markets in recent years, with increases of 12% in steel sales to the European Union and South America. However, dependence on the US market remains critical, especially for metal SMEs.
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