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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a confrontational stance against President-elect Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats, setting the stage for potential economic tensions between the two nations.
Trump’s announcement on Monday outlined plans to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian imports upon taking office, alongside an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. The measures would remain in place until illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking are effectively halted.
🇲🇽🇺🇸 Claudia Sheinbaum responds to Trump’s threat of tariffs on Mexico:
"We do not produce these weapons, nor do we consume synthetic drugs.
Tragically, it is in our country that lives are lost to the violence resulting from meeting the drug demand in yours." pic.twitter.com/berPnF3DYb
— Samuel 🇲🇽 (@resisres) November 26, 2024
While Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly scrambled to contact Trump following the announcement, Sheinbaum adopted a more aggressive approach. At a Tuesday news conference, she read from her letter to Trump, stating, “To one tariff will follow another in response and so on, until we put our common businesses at risk.”
The Mexican president shifted blame to the United States for cartel-related violence and drug issues, asserting, “We do not produce these weapons, nor do we consume synthetic drugs. Tragically, it is in our country that lives are lost to the violence resulting from meeting the drug demand in yours.”
Trump will charge 25% tarif on all goods from Mexico & Canada, until all human and drog traffic will be stopped.
That's my man! 👌 pic.twitter.com/ZtqcHYTUt5
— Tandros (@Tandros_MS) November 26, 2024
This defiant response could prove costly for Mexico’s economy, considering that 83% of its exports, primarily vehicles and electronics, are destined for U.S. markets. The Mexican peso has already experienced a significant decline, dropping nearly 20% since April, with economists predicting a potential 25% decrease if Trump implements his proposed tariffs.
Sheinbaum now faces a critical decision between maintaining her confrontational stance and protecting Mexico’s economic interests through cooperation with the United States. The outcome of this diplomatic standoff could have lasting implications for both nations’ economic relationship.
