The Mexican leader, Claudia Sheinbaum, during a working tour in the State of Mexico, highlighted Mexico's equality with other nations of the world. She emphasized the importance of unity between government and people, and mentioned that the cartels put the security and public health of the United States at risk by having an alliance with the Mexican Government.
Regarding the measures taken by U.S. President Donald Trump, who signed executive orders establishing a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, Sheinbaum expressed her country's stance when negotiating with other nations: always with heads held high and without yielding. She underscored the strength that this attitude provides to Mexico in the face of any adversity.
Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico's freedom, independence, and sovereignty as foundations for defending its citizens and the homeland. For his part, Trump reaffirmed the imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican products (except for oil) and Canadian goods, as well as 10% on those from China. The measure, which will take effect on February 4, constitutes a threat to trigger a trade war.
According to Trump, tariffs on Mexico and Canada are a response to the lack of control at the border that causes migratory problems and drug trafficking such as fentanyl. The free trade agreement between these countries, existing for thirty years, is severely affected. The White House justified the imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico under the premise that these countries do not cooperate in the fight against drug trafficking and border security.
In Trump's words, Mexican cartels are world leaders in the trafficking of illicit substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. The measures taken by the U.S. president have generated uncertainty and could trigger significant economic consequences for Mexico and Canada.
