President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, spoke with the Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, Kristi Noem, to address border security amid uncertainty over the possible imposition of tariffs on Mexican products.
During a press conference, Sheinbaum revealed that the conversation between García Harfuch and Noem was conducted with much respect and communication, highlighting that coordination and communication between both parties will continue. Days before, the Mexican leader had indicated that the head of the SSPC would hold talks with U.S. authorities to discuss cooperation at the border in response to the 25% tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.
In addition, Sheinbaum confirmed that Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy, would meet in Washington with his U.S. counterpart, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This meeting is part of the negotiations regarding the tariffs, agreed upon during the phone call between Sheinbaum and Trump on February 3, where they decided to pause the imposition of tariffs on Mexican exports for 30 days.
The United States Congress ratified Lutnick as head of the Department of Commerce, and it is expected that he will strengthen trade relations with Mexico, review tariffs, and support key initiatives. Amid the uncertainty over the tariffs proposed by Trump, the Border Business Block reported that Ciudad Juárez has lost around 45,000 jobs in recent months, with this place being an important production center in Mexico.
Sheinbaum mentioned that some investments in the country are on hold due to the uncertainty over tariffs, but expressed confidence that negotiations with Washington will bear fruit.
