By Nicoguaro - Own work Vectorized from NAFTA_logo.png, CC BY 3.0,
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday that the country will implement retaliatory tariffs on American goods in response to the 25 percent tariffs imposed by the United States. Sheinbaum indicated that the specific products targeted by Mexico will be revealed during a public event scheduled for Sunday in the central plaza of Mexico City, suggesting that Mexico may still seek to mitigate the trade conflict initiated by former President Donald Trump.
In contrast to China and Canada, Mexico opted to delay its announcement until Sunday, despite having a contingency plan in place since January for such a situation. Canada has already declared its intention to impose tariffs on over $100 billion worth of American goods within a 21-day timeframe.
During her address on Tuesday, Sheinbaum expressed that there is no justification for imposing penalties on major trading partners of the United States. She stated, “There is no motive or reason, nor justification that supports this decision that will affect our people and our nations.” The tariffs threatened by President Trump against Canada and Mexico took effect on Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of retaliatory measures from these North American allies. As of just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mexico are now subject to a 25 percent tax, with Canadian energy products facing a 10 percent import duty.
Sheinbaum dismissed the fact sheet released by the White House on Monday, which reiterated the claim that Mexican drug traffickers thrive due to an unacceptable relationship with the Mexican government. The President of Mexico deemed the statement offensive, defamatory, and lacking in evidence, subsequently highlighting the accomplishments of her administration in combating the nation’s formidable drug cartels. These achievements include the seizure of over a ton of fentanyl and the dismantling of 329 methamphetamine laboratories. She also pointed out that Mexico had extradited 29 drug cartel figures to the United States the previous week.
“We work together to prevent illegal drug trafficking to the United States; however, as we have stated repeatedly, the government of that country must also take responsibility for the opioid crisis that has led to numerous fatalities in the United States,” Sheinbaum remarked.
The President of Mexico further stated that the tariffs Mexico plans to impose are not intended to initiate an economic or commercial conflict, which is regrettably contrary to what should be pursued.
“It is unfathomable that they do not consider the harm this will inflict on American citizens and businesses due to rising prices for goods produced in our nation,” Sheinbaum asserted. She also emphasized the detrimental impact this decision will have on job creation in both countries, noting that no one benefits from such a choice.
In response to tariffs imposed on China, Beijing announced additional tariffs of up to 15 percent on imports of essential U.S. agricultural products, including chicken, pork, soy, and beef, while also tightening regulations on business dealings with significant U.S. companies.
China’s new tariffs are set to take effect on March 10, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 20 percent across the board. This measure was implemented on Tuesday, alongside a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico.
