Mexico promises to respond to Trump's threat of tariffs
Donald Trump has committed to implementing a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The incoming US president has stated his intention to enact a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico unless the country takes measures to reduce the influx of drugs and migrants.
In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico indicated that the country is prepared to retaliate if the president-elect follows through on his proposal. Sheinbaum, who took office in October, contended that such tariffs would not effectively address the issues of migration or drug trafficking; instead, they would likely lead to inflation and job loss in both nations. She emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing these challenges.
“In a letter to Trump on Tuesday, she stated, ‘For every tariff, there will be a countermeasure, and so on until we jeopardize our common businesses.’”
Her remarks follow Trump's announcement on Monday of plans to implement extensive tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China as part of a broader strategy to tackle illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis in the US.
Trump's threats include “a 25% tariff on all goods” coming from both Mexico and Canada, stating “until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country.” He also mentioned a potential additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports atop existing tariffs.
Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexico is adversely affected by weapon smuggling from the US, asserting that the drug flow is driven by American demand. “It is a problem of public health and consumption in your country’s society,” she remarked.
The fentanyl crisis and rising illegal immigration have been significant themes in the 2024 US presidential election campaign. The Drug Enforcement Administration noted last month that since China banned the production of fentanyl in 2019, Mexican cartels have been sourcing less-regulated precursor chemicals from Chinese manufacturers to manufacture the drug in Mexico for shipment to the US.
According to the latest US Census data, Mexico, China, and Canada rank as the top three exporters to the US, with Mexico accounting for 15.8% of total trade as of September, making it the largest trading partner. Canada follows with 13.9%.
Analysts warn that if implemented, these tariffs could lead to sharp price increases, particularly affecting US consumers, as companies importing Mexican goods may have to elevate their prices.
Sheinbaum questioned the logic behind the tariffs, stating, “What sense is there?” She noted that US automakers with operations in Mexico, such as General Motors and Ford, would be especially hard hit by increased cross-border tariffs.
Economists remain uncertain about whether Trump will carry out his tariff plans, considering the existing free trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada prohibits such measures among member nations.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico indicated that the country is prepared to retaliate if the president-elect follows through on his proposal. Sheinbaum, who took office in October, contended that such tariffs would not effectively address the issues of migration or drug trafficking; instead, they would likely lead to inflation and job loss in both nations. She emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing these challenges.
“In a letter to Trump on Tuesday, she stated, ‘For every tariff, there will be a countermeasure, and so on until we jeopardize our common businesses.’”
Her remarks follow Trump's announcement on Monday of plans to implement extensive tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China as part of a broader strategy to tackle illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis in the US.
Trump's threats include “a 25% tariff on all goods” coming from both Mexico and Canada, stating “until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country.” He also mentioned a potential additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports atop existing tariffs.
Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexico is adversely affected by weapon smuggling from the US, asserting that the drug flow is driven by American demand. “It is a problem of public health and consumption in your country’s society,” she remarked.
The fentanyl crisis and rising illegal immigration have been significant themes in the 2024 US presidential election campaign. The Drug Enforcement Administration noted last month that since China banned the production of fentanyl in 2019, Mexican cartels have been sourcing less-regulated precursor chemicals from Chinese manufacturers to manufacture the drug in Mexico for shipment to the US.
According to the latest US Census data, Mexico, China, and Canada rank as the top three exporters to the US, with Mexico accounting for 15.8% of total trade as of September, making it the largest trading partner. Canada follows with 13.9%.
Analysts warn that if implemented, these tariffs could lead to sharp price increases, particularly affecting US consumers, as companies importing Mexican goods may have to elevate their prices.
Sheinbaum questioned the logic behind the tariffs, stating, “What sense is there?” She noted that US automakers with operations in Mexico, such as General Motors and Ford, would be especially hard hit by increased cross-border tariffs.
Economists remain uncertain about whether Trump will carry out his tariff plans, considering the existing free trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada prohibits such measures among member nations.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
