The Government of Mexico has made clear its position regarding relations with the United States, indicating that there are also cards to play in future exchanges, as argued in a recent statement.
One of the concerning issues is the possibility of mass deportations, especially towards Mexico, which is the country of origin for almost half of the 11 million undocumented individuals in the United States. This could significantly impact the Mexican economy, as remittances represent almost 4% of the country's GDP.
At the northern border, in cities like Tijuana, there is a growing concern about the possibility of these mass deportations starting. In this scenario, the head of government of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, has announced a plan to receive repatriated Mexicans, offering them employment and social programs.
Despite Trump’s threats, Sheinbaum has asked to wait to see the definitive actions taken by the new government, generating mixed opinions. For some analysts, there is a disconnection between the perception of things at the border and the official's discourse.
On the other hand, Trump has mentioned the possibility of intervening in Mexico's security, even suggesting the option of bombing Mexican criminal groups or using U.S. troops to combat them. The proposal to declare Mexican cartels as terrorists has generated controversy, receiving both support and criticism.
Trump's return to the presidency of the United States opens a period of uncertainty for Mexico, with potential repercussions in the economy, society, and security policy of the country. The most immediate impact could occur in the Mexican economy, particularly in the area of exports to the United States.
The Mexican Institute of Competitiveness has pointed out that 83% of Mexican exports go to the U.S., making it a vital sector for the national economy. The imposition of tariffs announced by Trump could slow down the Mexican economy, impacting the expected growth for this year. However, Sheinbaum's firmness in the face of these threats is recognized, indicating that Mexico could respond to tariffs imposed from the U.S.
