Mexico will unveil a set of countermeasures next week if it fails to reach an agreement with the United States over a new wave of steel and aluminum tariffs, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday.
The tariffs, which raise duties on the metals from 25% to 50%, were activated by US President Donald Trump via executive proclamation late Tuesday and took effect immediately on Wednesday. The move has sparked concern in Mexico, a key trading partner under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Speaking during her morning press conference, President Sheinbaum condemned the US decision as an “unfair measure” that undermines the spirit of the free trade deal shared among the three North American nations.
However, Sheinbaum clarified that Mexico’s response would be measured and not based on retaliation. “It is not a matter of revenge, or retaliation as they call it in English,” she said. “It is a matter of protecting our jobs and our businesses.”
Despite the sharp escalation, Sheinbaum maintained that her administration is committed to resolving the dispute through dialogue. She confirmed that Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard would engage in high-level talks with US officials this week in an effort to reach a compromise.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly urging trade partners to present their “best offers” to avoid further import penalties, potentially set to take effect in early July, according to a draft letter.
As trade tensions mount, all eyes are on the outcome of the diplomatic talks and whether Mexico will be compelled to follow through with its own economic measures in response.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
