President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated Children’s Day at her press conference, addressing trade diversification and Mexico’s economic growth. She highlighted changes in U.S. auto tariffs providing a competitive edge, and outlined efforts to strengthen ties with Latin America and Europe. She also shared her favorite childhood characters, displaying a personal touch in her address about economic resilience and growth.
During her morning press conference on Mexico’s Children’s Day, President Claudia Sheinbaum touched on several topics, focusing particularly on trade diversification and economic growth. Besides outlining Mexico’s economic strategies, she also shared personal anecdotes about her childhood heroes, evoking memories of her youth in Mexico City.
On trade matters, Sheinbaum highlighted changes to the United States’ auto tariffs. She indicated that these changes could provide Mexico with a stronger competitive edge, though she noted that some goods now face new duties that weren’t an issue before the Trump administration took office. “The thing [Trump decided] yesterday benefits us more than what we had the day before yesterday. It’s not the best, but within the international framework it’s good,” Sheinbaum commented, while affirming her administration’s commitment to ongoing discussions with the U.S.
In response to a reporter’s question about whether Mexico needs to expedite its trade diversification efforts toward Latin America and Europe, Sheinbaum confirmed they are already engaged in that. She announced that a trade agreement with the European Union is nearing completion and that Brazilian officials plan to visit soon to explore areas of economic collaboration. “It’s not about substituting products that are made in Mexico for those from Brazil, but rather what we can give them that they don’t make and what can they give us that we don’t make,” she elaborated on the potential partnership with Brazil.
Sheinbaum has been proactive internationally, including recent talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the CELAC Summit in Honduras. Noting her government’s engagement with various countries, she emphasized the importance of improving communication with Asian nations, even as Mexico seeks to lessen its reliance on imports from those regions, particularly China. Approximately 80% of Mexico’s export income still derives from trade with the United States, revealing a heavy dependency.
Turning to economic growth, Sheinbaum expressed optimism about recent data indicating a 0.8% growth in the first quarter of the year, despite predictions of a recession. “Everyone said that ‘there was going to be a decline’…there is growth — 0.8%. Of course, we want more [growth], but…it’s good news,” she said. Additionally, unemployment reached a historic low, while inflation remains stable, with a slight uptick in April.
Sheinbaum also revealed her fond childhood memories when questioned about her favorite characters. “As a girl…I listened to Kalimán a lot then, it was those times,” she reminisced. Kalimán, a heroic figure from a classic radio drama, embodied her early inspirations. She further mentioned Princess Comet, a magical character from an old cartoon series, who changed the world with her powers. While Sheinbaum may not possess magical abilities, she alluded to her dual command batons, which symbolize her commitment to advancing the country’s transformative agenda initiated by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s recent press conference underscored her administration’s focus on diversifying trade relationships and addressing economic growth challenges. While she acknowledged trade issues related to the U.S., her emphasis on expanding ties with Latin America and Europe, as well as bolstering domestic investment, marks strategic progress. Additionally, Sheinbaum shared personal reflections on her childhood, which illustrated her human side amid the political landscape. Ultimately, her administration appears dedicated to navigating economic uncertainties while fostering international cooperation.
Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com
