Mexican president confident in US agreement despite 30% tariff threat

MEXICO CITY

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed on Monday the 30% tariff threatened by US President Donald Trump, expressing confidence that an agreement can be reached before the new surcharge takes effect.

Over the weekend, the Trump administration sent letters to world leaders announcing additional tariffs on all exports.

For Mexico, the letter revealed a proposed 30% tariff on its exports, a measure allegedly tied to what the US considers Mexico’s inadequate strategy to combat drug trafficking along the shared border.

“We have a working group, and we hope to reach an agreement — that is our goal. There are also issues related to fentanyl and security on the table, and in that case, an agreement has already made some progress, always within the framework of respect for our sovereignty,” she said.

Despite the tension, Sheinbaum said she is confident a deal can be brokered before Aug. 1, when the tariffs are set to come into effect.

During the weekend, Trump said Mexico had not done enough to secure the border and hamper drug trafficking to the US, saying the 30% levy is in response to the poor results by the Sheinbaum administration.

In response to Trump’s criticism of her anti-cartel strategy, the president emphasized that the US must also take responsibility and support Mexico’s efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking, given that the US is the world’s leading consumer of the drug.

“We’re doing our part, and they also have to do theirs. We’ve consistently emphasized the need to control the flow of weapons from the United States into Mexico, and the arrest of individuals involved in drug trafficking within the US—that is the responsibility of the United States,” added Sheinbaum.