Special Poll
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday that her administration would impose retaliatory tariffs in response to those proposed by President-elect Donald Trump. This comes after Trump outlined a plan to introduce new tariffs as part of his incoming administration’s policies.
Sheinbaum’s statement aligns with similar concerns voiced by leaders in China and Canada, who argue that cooperative trade agreements benefit all parties involved. Trump’s proposed measures include a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on imports from China, on top of existing tariffs. These measures are intended to address the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States, according to Trump’s announcement on Monday.
The Chinese and Canadian governments quickly criticized the plan, emphasizing that trade cooperation fosters mutual economic growth. A Chinese Embassy spokesperson warned that a tariff war would have no winners, highlighting the risks to global economic stability.
The U.S., Mexico, and Canada have operated under a free trade agreement since 2020, which replaced the older NAFTA framework. This agreement was designed to support reciprocal trade and protect high-paying jobs in the region. Sheinbaum noted that major U.S. manufacturers like General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford, which have operated in Mexico for decades, would face significant challenges under the proposed tariffs. She warned that these measures could lead to inflation and job losses on both sides of the border.
Sheinbaum also addressed Trump’s plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, pointing to the interconnected issues of weapons and drug flows between the U.S. and Mexico. She described the drug crisis in the United States as a public health problem and suggested that redirecting resources from military efforts to fostering development and peace could address the root causes of migration.
Her response underscores the growing tensions over trade and immigration policies as the incoming U.S. administration prepares to implement its agenda.