An economic turbulence period is approaching due to Donald Trump's tariff threat to Mexico. More than a month after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Mexico, the measure was paused following a call between President Claudia Sheinbaum and the U.S. president. However, Mexico faces a new crucial date against Trump's threats. Will the tariffs take effect this Tuesday, March 4, or will there be a last-minute agreement between both countries?
"Lutnick said: 'He has the cards in his hand and is going to protect Americans.'" Claudia Sheinbaum has been constantly questioned about Trump's trade threats and recently mentioned that Mexico would seek an agreement with the U.S. regarding the tariffs.
The U.S. Commerce Secretary confirmed that the tariffs on Mexico and Canada will take effect this Tuesday, although he ruled out an adjustment to keep them from reaching 25%. There has been talk of the possibility that Mexico and Canada could reduce these tariffs, given their collaboration on border issues such as fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration.
Regarding which states will be most affected by Trump's tariffs, negotiations are ongoing. Both issues are part of the conditions imposed by Trump to pause the tariffs for a month, making decisions based on the evolution of the situation.
Mexico is considering imposing tariffs on China at the behest of the U.S., as part of negotiations to avoid the 25% duties on Mexican exports, aiming to strengthen the USMCA and prioritize regional trade over Asian imports.
Despite several meetings between Mexican and U.S. officials, including Marcelo Ebrard and Howard Lutnick, no details of concrete agreements have been provided. Mexico has deployed 10,000 National Guard members at the border with the United States and strengthened the fight against drug trafficking as measures to avoid the tariffs. Additionally, the extradition of high-profile drug traffickers to the U.S. has occurred, considered historic.
Among the drug lords expelled from Mexico are Rafael Caro Quintero and other kingpins such as the Treviño brothers, José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, alias 'El Güerito', José Alberto García Vilano, alias 'La Kena', Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, alias 'El Viceroy', and Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'Tony Montana'. As negotiations continue, economic uncertainty persists.
