Sheinbaum Rules Out Reciprocal Tariffs and Unveils Plan to Strengthen Mexico’s Economy

• Sheinbaum rules out reciprocal tariffs.
• Mexico maintains existing trade agreements.
• US delays tariffs until April.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that the United States should not impose reciprocal tariffs on Mexican products, as Mexico does not apply tariffs to US imports.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that a trade agreement exists between both nations, preventing the imposition of tariffs.

«Therefore, the United States has no reason to impose tariffs on Mexico,» she stated.

The Mexican president urged caution in interpreting Donald Trump’s recent statements, in which he claimed that reciprocal tariffs would take effect within a month.

Sheinbaum Defends Trade Agreements Between Mexico and the US and Dismisses Tariffs

«Some people ignore the fact that there is an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico. They focus on isolated statements, but the reality is that tariffs have been postponed until April 2,» Sheinbaum asserted.

She stressed that the Mexican government remains optimistic and highlighted the importance of existing trade agreements between the two countries.

«Mexico signed its first trade agreement in 1993 and the second in 2020,» she recalled.

Sheinbaum was referring to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

On March 4, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican exports, but after a phone call with Sheinbaum, the measure was postponed until April 2.

Sheinbaum later led an informational assembly on Mexico-US economic relations, following the uncertainty caused by the proposed tariffs.

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During the event, she reiterated that after negotiations with Trump, all USMCA-covered products were exempt from tariffs.

However, the US government announced that reciprocal tariffs will apply to other countries starting April 2.

Sheinbaum assured that Mexico will not be affected, as the trade agreement guarantees a tariff-free relationship between both nations.

«We remain optimistic because, on April 2, the US has stated it will impose reciprocal tariffs on all countries. If a country taxes US exports, the US will do the same,» Sheinbaum explained.

«But Mexico is not included in this, since for the past 30 years, we have signed two trade agreements that ensure there are no tariffs between our nations.»

«This means reciprocal tariffs should not apply, because practically speaking, Mexico does not impose tariffs on the United States,» she concluded.

Sheinbaum Presents Economic Strategy to Strengthen Mexico

During the event at Mexico City’s Zócalo, Sheinbaum outlined five key strategies to strengthen Mexico’s economy, reducing its dependence on trade partners.

The plan includes strengthening the domestic market by raising the minimum wage for workers.

Also, expanding food and energy self-sufficiency, ensuring that Mexico produces what it consumes.

As well as increasing public investment to create jobs, including infrastructure projects such as roads, housing, and passenger trains.

The plan also includes boosting national production through the Plan México initiative.

Finally, it seeks to expand social welfare programs as the foundation of Mexico’s economic model.

«We are destined to have a good relationship,» Sheinbaum stated, referring to U.S.-Mexico cooperation.

She noted that over one million Americans live in Mexico, and 23 million visit annually.

For this reason, she insisted that both nations must maintain a relationship based on friendship and cooperation.

Sheinbaum emphasized that the economic ties between Mexico and the US are deeply integrated, meaning that any tariffs or policy changes affect both countries equally.

SOURCE: EFE / Infobae

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