Following US President Donald Trump’s recently levied 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, Mexico has pledged its own round of retaliatory tariffs. On Tuesday, President Claudia Sheinbaum said that the particular American products to be hit by the countermeasures would be unveiled on Sunday during a public speech in Mexico City’s central plaza.
Unlike China and Canada, which reacted swiftly, Mexico has opted to wait, even after it had indicated readiness for such an event. Sheinbaum condemned the US move as unfair and damaging to both countries.
“There is no motivation, reason, or justification for this decision, which will adversely affect our people and economies,” Sheinbaum said.
At the same time, Canada has also joined in strongly, assuring that it will implement tariffs on $100 billion in American products in 21 days.
Mexico Decries US Tariffs as “Offensive and Defamatory”
Trump’s tariffs, initially announced in January and effective as of March 4, have been met with criticism from affected countries. With the new American policy, Mexican and Canadian imports are now under a 25% tariff, with Canadian energy products subject to an additional 10% tariff.
Sheinbaum denounced the actions as “offensive and defamatory” and citing Mexico’s continuous work to fight drug trafficking. She mentioned her administration’s achievement in seizing more than a ton of fentanyl and breaking up 329 methamphetamine laboratories.
“We work to prevent illegal drug trafficking into the US, but their government also has to step up and be accountable for the opioid crisis that has left thousands dead,” she added.
Even after taking measures, Sheinbaum clarified that Mexico is not aiming to flare up the tensions or trigger an economic war but to protect national interests. “This is not confrontation; it’s about having fair trade,” she concluded.
