On February 4, the 25 percent tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on the majority of Mexican products entering that country went into effect, as a result of the executive order issued by Donald Trump. However, after dialogue, the Government of Mexico, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, agreed to postpone this measure for a month.
Since February 1, when Trump announced his decision, a climate of uncertainty has been created. In this context, the industrial and foreign trade chambers of Nuevo León (NL) have expressed their positions regarding the new economic situation affecting the country and the region.
The Chamber of the Transformation Industry of Nuevo León (Caintra) has expressed its rejection and labeled the unilateral imposition of tariffs as deplorable, stating that trade integration between the US, Mexico, and Canada has consolidated North America as a highly competitive region globally, generating jobs and strengthening essential production chains.
On the other hand, Index NL has expressed concern for the manufacturing and export maquiladora industry regarding the US decision to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The importance of maintaining competitiveness in North America is emphasized, and the key role played by subsectors such as auto parts, sophisticated electronic goods, and medical devices in the regional economy is highlighted.
The Mexican Council for Foreign Trade (Comce) Northeast has suggested the possibility of joint strategies between the government and companies to address the imposition of tariffs. The creation of business consortia, promoting non-traditional sectors in exports, and diversifying markets are proposed as long-term measures to mitigate the impact of this situation.
In the midst of the uncertainty generated by the tariffs imposed by the US, both Mexican companies and the government have the opportunity to work together to turn this measure into a chance for strengthening and expanding into other markets. Proposals such as innovation in products, market diversification, and investment in certifications are pointed out as possible ways to face these new challenges.
