When steel and political memes collide
Ah, international diplomacy. That high-risk sport where a bad joke can spark a trade war and “let’s keep talking” means “we didn’t agree, but at least we didn’t hang up on each other.” This was the telephone duel between Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump, one more chapter of that soap opera that we call Mexico-United States relations.
According to the president (who today wore her best outfit as a “serious negotiator” in the National Palace), the conversation revolved around the eternal protagonists of this saga: tariffs on steel, aluminum and, of course, the always dramatic automotive industry. The T-MEC? No mention. Like when you avoid talking about your ex on a first date.
“There are going to be more calls”: the political equivalent of “I’ll write to you tomorrow”
In statements that could compete for the award for “Vaguest phrases from an official”, Sheinbaum dropped gems like: “There will be other calls” (translation: this was not resolved today) and “I wouldn’t want to go into too much detail” (read: I don’t have anything concrete to tell you). Of course, he made it clear that Mexico has a “preferential situation” in automobiles, although –of course– “we would always want more”. Like when you ask your boss for a raise knowing that they will say no.
The curious thing is what was not discussed: the review of the T-MEC. Apparently, that issue was left in the hands of the Secretary of the Economy and his counterparts, like when you delegate the uncomfortable conversation to your assistant. Sheinbaum was clear: “We haven’t gotten to those issues yet.” In other words, today they only played the prologue of this commercial epic.
Between the lines, this smacks of typical Trumpian negotiation: much ado, little nothing. The former US president, famous for his take-it-or-leave-it style, appears to be testing the waters with the new tenants of Los Pinos. Meanwhile, Sheinbaum plays his cards with that mix of diplomacy and firmness that characterizes the current government.
What follows is predictable: more calls, more ambiguous statements and, eventually, some media announcement that both sides will be able to sell as “victory.” For now, the Mexican industry remains in suspense, like a spectator of a tennis match where the ball is its economy.
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