Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that the country is prepared to respond to possible tariffs imposed by the United States, although he did not specify what strategy would be followed. The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, hinted at the possibility that Mexico could respond with tariffs against the United States if necessary. Ebrard emphasized that, during Trump's first administration, negotiations for the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) were complicated and there were attempts to impose tariffs.
"We will be prepared for any scenario that arises. Trade between our two nations is enormous," Ebrard commented in statements to reporters. He asserted that the USMCA has been a resounding success, with a 37% growth in trade and investment since its implementation. Ebrard also mentioned that Mexico has already begun consultations with strategic sectors ahead of the planned 2026 review of the agreement.
According to experts, trade between Mexico and the United States is on track to exceed one trillion dollars annually and is essential for both economies. Ebrard highlighted the importance of key sectors such as the automotive industry, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, making Mexico an indispensable partner for the United States. Furthermore, he mentioned that the relocation of industries from Asia to North America, known as 'nearshoring,' will be beneficial for Mexico in the future.
Despite the relevance of trade, both experts and Ebrard agreed that the U.S. administration has other priorities on its bilateral agenda, such as combating drug trafficking and irregular migration. They noted that, for Trump, security and migration are priorities above trade. On the other hand, both the U.S. business sector in Mexico and the Mexican government considered the imposition of tariffs by the United States unlikely, despite previous threats from President Trump.
Larry Rubin, president of the American Society (Amsoc) Mexico, mentioned that although Trump has expressed willingness to impose tariffs as a global pressure measure, it is unlikely that he will impose them on Mexico given the inflationary impact it would cause in the U.S. Rubin expressed confidence that the trade relationship between the two countries will continue to develop successfully.
