President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has affirmed that the Government of Mexico will provide a comprehensive response to the United States following April 2, addressing former President Donald Trump’s decision to impose reciprocal global tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. She emphasized that her administration’s priority is to protect Mexican jobs and businesses while upholding national sovereignty.
During a press conference, President Sheinbaum explained that the executive order signed by Trump on March 26 includes clauses temporarily exempting USMCA member countries from paying tariffs on automobile imports. According to the agreement, automotive parts meeting U.S. content requirements will be tariff-free until a mechanism is established for non-U.S. content tariffs.
Sheinbaum noted that collaborative efforts are underway with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to create a Preference System benefiting Mexico amid the U.S. tariff strategy. This system aims to provide Mexican suppliers with certain tariff discounts, strengthening commercial integration between the two nations.
Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon highlighted that discussions with the U.S. government have progressed favorably, noting that nearly 40% of auto parts consumed in the neighboring country originate from Mexico. He also emphasized efforts to ensure that Mexican-made products remain competitively priced against those from countries like Germany, Japan, or South Korea.
President Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico maintains a policy of dignity and solidarity with migrants, alongside a strategy to protect national productive sectors. In collaboration with the Federal Government, the Plan Mexico seeks to strengthen the domestic market to ensure employment and wealth distribution, reducing exclusive reliance on international trade agreements.
