“No Tariff War Looming”: Mexican President Clarifies After Talk with Trump
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that Mexico proposed closing its border with the United States. This assertion follows Trump’s post on Truth Social, where he described the conversation as productive and claimed Mexico had agreed to halt migration through its territory.
Rejecting Trump’s Claims
During her morning news conference, Sheinbaum clarified Mexico’s stance, emphasizing that her administration would never propose closing the U.S.-Mexico border. “It has never been our approach, and of course, we don’t agree with that,” she stated. Instead, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s commitment to respecting human rights while managing migration through comprehensive strategies that assist migrants before crossing the border.
Trump, however, alleged that Sheinbaum agreed to measures such as stopping migration flows and addressing drug trafficking concerns during their phone call. His statement also included a threat to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada starting his first day in office unless these issues are resolved.
Tariff Threats and Trade Implications | No Tariff War Looming
Trump’s tariff threats follow a history of similar measures during his first term, which created friction in U.S.-Mexico trade relations. While his administration previously leveraged trade policies to press Mexico into action, the new tariffs could jeopardize economic cooperation under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). This agreement sets conditions to prevent arbitrary tariffs among its member states.
President Sheinbaum criticized the proposed tariffs, noting that retaliatory measures could harm both nations’ economies. The automotive sector, heavily reliant on cross-border trade, stands particularly vulnerable to disruptions.
Immigration and Drug Trafficking
Sheinbaum highlighted her government’s proactive measures to address migration and drug trafficking. Working closely with the Biden administration, Mexico has achieved a 75% reduction in U.S. border crossings over the past year. She pointed to these achievements as evidence of Mexico’s commitment to managing migration effectively without resorting to border closures.
Trump’s rhetoric, however, suggests a shift back to hardline immigration policies. His team is reportedly considering reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which required migrants to stay in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases were processed. This move aligns with his broader agenda to curb undocumented immigration and deport those residing in the U.S. without authorization.
Global Reactions and Bilateral Relations
The tension surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border has also drawn international attention. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese officials have weighed in, with both expressing concerns over the potential economic fallout from the proposed tariffs.
Trudeau characterized his recent call with Trump as productive, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong trade relations. Meanwhile, China reiterated its opposition to tariff wars, calling for mutual economic cooperation.
Looking Ahead – Mexican president claims No Tariff War Looming with US after call with Trum
As Trump prepares to take office, the dynamics between his administration and Sheinbaum’s government will be pivotal. Observers are closely monitoring how the U.S. and Mexico will navigate these contentious issues without derailing bilateral relations. While Sheinbaum remains committed to dialogue and collaboration, her intense response to Trump’s claims signals a readiness to defend Mexico’s interests on the global stage.
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