The President of Mexico announced that her government will implement "tariff and non-tariff measures" in retaliation to Donald Trump's decision, emphasizing that the solution to bilateral problems does not lie in confrontation, but in dialogue. Her message came just hours after Washington officially launched its trade offensive, arguing that Mexico has not done enough to combat organized crime and the migration crisis.
Sheinbaum categorically rejected the accusations from the White House, suggesting that her government maintains ties with drug trafficking. Despite the crisis, the Mexican president is confident that both nations will find a solution, reaffirming that Mexico will continue to negotiate with dignity and firmness. These actions have put millions of undocumented migrants at risk and have generated a strong response from the Mexican government, which has insisted on respect for its national sovereignty. In response, she demanded that Trump address drug consumption within his own country instead of blaming Mexico.
In light of the crisis, Sheinbaum tasked Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy, with designing a "plan B" to respond to the trade war, although she has not yet detailed specific measures. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Mexico and accused the 4T of having ties to drug trafficking. In addition to the tariffs, Trump issued decrees that have further strained bilateral relations, including the declaration of a "national emergency" at the border and the designation of cartels as terrorist organizations.
The president emphasized that the fight against fentanyl trafficking must be a shared responsibility, reminding that her government has made historic seizures and arrested thousands of people linked to drug trafficking. The Mexican government has hardened its stance following Trump's victory in the November elections, strengthening security at its borders and demonstrating results in the fight against organized crime. However, these actions did not prevent the imposition of tariffs.
In this regard, Sheinbaum pointed out that the real problem lies in the ease with which criminal organizations acquire weapons in the United States. Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly responded to the imposition of a 25% tariff by the United States on Mexican exports. "Coordination yes; subordination, no," Sheinbaum stated in a message directed at Washington. Trump's rhetoric has reached its peak with unfounded accusations about Mexico's complicity with drug cartels.
She also denied the alleged inaction of Mexico on immigration matters, presenting figures showing a 76% decrease in the flow of migrants since December 2023. Mexico estimates that the impact of U.S. tariffs will exceed $10 billion for consumers in that country. Furthermore, the measure has complicated the renegotiation of the USMCA, the North American trade agreement. "Nothing by force; everything by reason and right," she concluded.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed interest in dialoguing with Sheinbaum about the situation, a conversation expected to take place in the coming hours.
