Mexico plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods following the U.S. instating 25% tariffs. President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. government’s rationale and intends to announce specific products targeted on Sunday. She highlighted Mexico’s collaboration against drug trafficking and warned of the economic consequences of the U.S. decision. Similar tariffs by China have also intensified international trade conflicts.
In response to the 25% tariffs imposed by the United States, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico intends to implement retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. During a press conference, Sheinbaum stated that she will disclose the specific products affected on Sunday during a public event in Mexico City. Unlike China, which reacted swiftly, Mexico has chosen a more measured approach, despite having a plan ready since January. Sheinbaum emphasized the unjust nature of the U.S. decision, which she believes will adversely affect citizens in both nations, and reiterated Mexico’s commitment to addressing drug trafficking.
Sheinbaum vehemently rejected the White House’s allegations that Mexican drug trafficking is linked to an inadequate relationship with the Mexican government. She called such assertions “offensive, defamatory, and without support” and highlighted her government’s successes in combating drug-related crime, including significant seizures of fentanyl and the dismantling of numerous methamphetamine labs. Moreover, she pointed out that recent extraditions of cartel figures demonstrate Mexico’s collaboration with the U.S. in combating the drug crisis. Sheinbaum also stated, “We collaborate to avoid illegal drug trafficking to the United States, but as we have said on multiple occasions, that country’s government must take responsibility too for the crisis of opioid consumption that has caused so many deaths in the United States.”
The U.S. tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods began on Tuesday, resulting in increased economic tensions. The tariffs, part of President Trump’s broader trade strategy, prompted concerns about retaliatory actions from Canada and Mexico. Sheinbaum articulated her belief that these tariffs will bring about negative repercussions for citizens and businesses in the United States, with potential increases in prices and halting of job creation across both countries. She stated, “It’s inconceivable that they don’t think about the damage this is going to cause to United States citizens and businesses with the increase in prices for things produced in our country.”
In parallel developments, China has also announced further tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, following President Trump’s recent tariff increases on Chinese imports. Effective March 10, these new tariffs of up to 15% on key U.S. farm exports, such as chicken, pork, soybean, and beef, escalate the ongoing trade dispute between the two nations.
In summary, Mexico’s decision to impose tariffs in retaliation for U.S. actions reflects a broader trade conflict. President Sheinbaum’s pending announcements regarding targeted products signal a substantial response to U.S. arbitrary tariff measures, while also seeking to distance Mexico from accusations related to drug violence. The implications of these trade tensions are likely to be significant for both Mexico and the United States, impacting economic conditions and bilateral relations moving forward.
In conclusion, Mexico’s impending retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods underscore the escalating trade tensions initiated by recent U.S. tariff increases. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s firm stance against U.S. allegations regarding drug trafficking reinforces her administration’s commitment to addressing bilateral challenges. The repercussions of these tariffs are poised to affect economic dynamics and trade relationships between the two nations, with significant implications for both their citizens and businesses.
Original Source: apnews.com
