Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo denounced the newly imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican imports by U.S. President Donald Trump, calling the measure unjustified and harmful to both nations. The announcement came during Sheinbaum’s regular morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Tuesday.
“There is no reason, rationale or justification to support this decision that will affect our people and nations … Nobody wins with this decision,” Sheinbaum Pardo stated.
The tariffs, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. in Washington, followed a 30-day pause that allowed for negotiations between Mexican and U.S. officials. During that period, Mexico ramped up security at the U.S.-Mexico border and strengthened its efforts against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking.
Trump defended the tariffs by accusing Mexico, along with Canada and China, of not doing enough to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the U.S.
“In these 30 days, decisive actions were taken against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking, as well as bilateral meetings on security and trade,” Sheinbaum said, highlighting Mexico’s cooperation with U.S. authorities.
Despite the collaborative efforts, the tariff implementation has put a strain on the two countries’ economic relationship. The Mexican peso responded to the news by weakening approximately 1% against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday morning.
Sheinbaum Pardo announced that Mexico would retaliate with tariff and non-tariff measures, with further details to be unveiled during a public event at Mexico City’s Zocalo on Sunday.
The escalating trade tensions come at a critical time for both nations, with significant economic and security implications on the horizon.
Keep up with U.S.-Mexico relations with us on Que Onda Magazine.
