No 'eye for an eye' approach to US tariffs: Mexico

No 'eye for an eye' approach to US tariffs: Mexico

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum says the country will not take any action before seeing details of US President Donald Trump's promised trade tariffs
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum says the country will not take any action before seeing details of US President Donald Trump's promised trade tariffs. Photo: Sergio Morales / AFP
Source: AFP

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday there will be no "eye for an eye" approach as the country braces for new US import tariffs kicking in this week.

The leader of the United States' biggest trading partner spoke on the eve of President Donald Trump's expected announcement of "reciprocal" tariffs, with 25 percent levies on imported cars and car parts.

Mexico has previously vowed a "comprehensive response" to Trump's tariffs, sticking to a strategy of prioritizing dialogue.

But Sheinbaum said Tuesday "we do not believe in an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, because that always leads to a bad situation."

She added that "of course, measures are taken (in Mexico) because measures are taken on the other side, but the dialogue must continue."

Trump has said he will unveil a raft of so-called "reciprocal tariffs" Wednesday, on what he has dubbed America's "Liberation Day."

He insists the duties are necessary to combat trade imbalances with other countries.

Read also

Trump puts world on edge as 'Liberation Day' tariffs loom

Mexico's economy is considered one of the most vulnerable to Trump's tariffs due to its close trade relations with the United States.

The Latin American nation is home to many foreign-owned vehicle assembly plants operated by companies including Ford, General Motors, BMW, Volkswagen and Toyota.

More than 80 percent of Mexican exports go to the United States, including around three million vehicles a year.

Sheinbaum said her government would wait to hear the details of Trump's announcement Wednesday to respond accordingly.

"We are not certain, no country in the world is certain exactly what will be announced on April 2," she said at her daily press conference.

On the topic of migration, another point of contention with Mexico's northern neighbor, Sheinbaum insisted her government was willing to "coordinate" approaches with the United States, but "not subordinate" to it.

"The president answers to one authority only, and that is the people of Mexico," she said.

Read also

Trump says US tariffs to hit 'all countries'

Sheinbaum was visited last Friday by US Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem, who said she gave the president a list of demands related to curbing migration, including greater control over Mexico's border with Guatemala.

Guatemala is a transit country for many migrants trying to reach the United States from South America.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.