Mexican President Denounces US Tariffs, Threatens Retaliation: Bilateral Relations Under Strain

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denounced the United States’ decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on exports from its largest trading partner, threatening retaliation against an unjustified and harmful move that undermines bilateral relations.

The tariffs, which went into effect after a 30-day pause, were announced despite recent efforts by Mexico to strengthen cooperation with the US on security and drug trafficking issues, including handing over more than two dozen alleged criminals to the United States, among them the so-called “narco of narcos” Rafael Caro Quintero.

In response to what she called an affront to Mexico’s sovereignty, Sheinbaum announced plans to implement retaliatory measures, details of which are to be unveiled during a public assembly in Mexico City’s Zócalo, the main square in the heart of the capital, on Sunday. She invited all Mexicans to attend and stand united against what she described as an attack on national dignity.

In a statement from Mexico City, circulated by regional envoys, President Sheinbaum expressed outrage at the unilateral decision, calling it “offensive, defamatory, and unfounded”. She insisted her administration has made significant strides in combating organized crime and trafficking in the highly addictive opioid fentanyl —issues that have been central to US-Mexico relations.

While condemning the tariffs as harmful to both nations’ economies, President Sheinbaum stressed her desire to avoid an economic confrontation. “We do not intend to initiate a trade war,” she said. “But it is impossible to ignore the damage this decision will inflict on American citizens and companies by raising prices on goods produced in our country.” She warned that such measures would hinder job creation on both sides of the border and undermine efforts to deepen economic integration in North America.

“Since October 2024, we have achieved decisive results,” Sheinbaum said, citing a 50 per cent reduction in fentanyl seizures at US borders originating from Mexico, as reported by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The president detailed her government’s achievements in its first five months, which include the seizure of nearly 7 000 firearms (75 per cent of which originated from the US), over 121 tons of drugs, and the dismantling of 329 clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. Mexico has extradited 29 individuals to the US on serious charges and reduced intentional homicides by 15 per cent. “These results demonstrate our commitment to security and cooperation,” she said. “There is no reason or justification for this decision.”