Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ruled out the possibility of a trade war with the United States after a phone conversation with President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday. Trump has been threatening to impose high tariffs to stop illegal immigration.
“There will not be a potential tariff war,” Sheinbaum assured reporters at a daily news conference. Sheinbaum had been working to prevent Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Mexican goods.
Differing Accounts of the Migration Discussion
The conversation between Sheinbaum and Trump led to different versions of what was discussed concerning migration. Trump claimed that Sheinbaum, a left-wing leader, had “agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.” However, Sheinbaum rejected this interpretation.
“I can assure you… that we would never — we would not be capable — of proposing that we were going to close the border,” Sheinbaum stated, adding, “Of course, we do not agree with that.” She clarified that the discussion had focused on existing policies and assured Trump that Mexico was taking steps to manage migration.
Mexico’s Strategy to Control Migrant Movement
Sheinbaum explained that she had told Trump that a caravan of migrants gathered in southern Mexico, which Trump had expressed concern about, “will not reach the northern border.” She pointed to Mexico’s strategy for preventing such groups from crossing its territory. After this point, the conversation moved away from tariff concerns.
Talks Shift Focus to Security and Fentanyl Prevention
Sheinbaum also mentioned that during their conversation, they discussed “strengthening collaboration on security issues” and Mexico’s ongoing efforts to fight the consumption of fentanyl, a dangerous drug.
Trump’s Tariff Threats Spark Concern Among Trading Partners
Trump’s statements earlier this week caused alarm among major U.S. trading partners. He announced that he would impose a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on goods from China. Trump accused these countries of failing to stop the “invasion” of the U.S. by drugs, particularly fentanyl, and undocumented migrants.
Potential U.S. Job Losses Due to Tariffs
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard warned that if Trump carried out his tariff threats, it could lead to the loss of around 400,000 jobs in the U.S. Ebrard based his warning on a study using data from U.S. carmakers that have factories in Mexico.
Future Talks Planned Before Trump’s Inauguration
Sheinbaum confirmed that more discussions were planned between her government and Trump’s transition team before his inauguration on January 20.