Mexico City – Mexico received positive trade news this week as President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the country’s exclusion from the sweeping new tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The White House confirmed that Canada and Mexico would be spared from the new baseline 10% tariff on nearly all U.S. imports, thanks to their participation in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
During her morning press conference on Thursday, Sheinbaum emphasized the significance of this decision, attributing it to the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Mexico and the United States. “This is good for the country,” she stated. “It reflects the good relationship that we’ve built between the Mexican and U.S. governments.”
The exemption applies to most goods traded under USMCA, though Mexico’s auto, steel, and aluminum exports will still be subject to separate tariff policies. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard hailed the news as a “great achievement” and stressed that Mexico will work in the coming weeks to secure the best possible trade conditions.
Trump’s tariff plan includes a 25% levy on imported vehicles, effective immediately, with additional duties on automobile parts set to take effect on May 3. In response, Sheinbaum announced that the Mexican government will introduce new policies in May to strengthen domestic industries, particularly in the auto, steel, and aluminum sectors.
Mexico’s economy remains deeply connected to the U.S., with 80% of its exports heading north. While Trump’s latest tariffs pose challenges for many nations, Mexico’s exclusion underscores the enduring strength of the USMCA and the benefits of regional trade cooperation.
We Need Your Support: While other local media outlets have retreated behind paywalls, at Banderas News, we believe news should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers at no cost? We can’t do it without you. Your contribution helps us sustain and grow.
