Last Wednesday, a memorandum was sent to various agencies requesting the development of reciprocal tariffs to generate a surplus, emphasizing that trade deficits pose threats to national and economic security. Mexico has been removed from the list of countries that manipulate their exchange rate to promote exports. Measures implemented by the previous government, such as delays in permits for the sale of medicines and access issues to the Mexican potato market, will be examined.
The USTR estimates that there are over 30 billion dollars in potential investments stalled in the energy sector. It is instructed to consider restrictive measures for the trade of products or digital goods. Insecurity in Mexico and judicial reform are mentioned. Legislators from Alabama refer to the situation of the Calica company's facilities. The analysis of the bilateral trade relationship with Canada and Mexico will support the renegotiation of the USMCA and the evaluation of the Mexico Plan.
Trump views the US trade deficit as a result of the mistreatment of American entrepreneurs by other countries. Five areas will be analyzed to establish tariffs on a country-by-country basis. Tomorrow, executive orders with new tariffs of 25% for steel and aluminum will be published in the Federal Register. The USTR has expressed that certain taxes on digital platforms are unfair.
The USMCA exempts the payment of tariffs for products that meet origin rules. Trump considers the surplus in the trade balance as a key indicator. Countries subject to greater scrutiny, including Mexico, are mentioned.
