Mexico will retaliate against U.S. tariffs by imposing its own on American goods, amidst heightened trade tensions. President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to detail the targeted products soon, asserting that these tariffs lack justification. She also criticized U.S. claims linking drug trafficking to the Mexican government.
Mexico is set to implement retaliatory tariffs on United States goods in response to the recently imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that details regarding the specific products to be targeted will be revealed in a public event scheduled for Sunday in Mexico City. This decision comes after a prolonged period of tensions in the trade relationship, contrasting with China’s immediate response to similar tariffs.
Sheinbaum articulated that the U.S. decision to impose tariffs lacks justification and is detrimental to both nations, emphasizing the negative implications for the economies and citizens of both countries. She stated, “There is no motive or reason, nor justification that supports this decision that will affect our people and our nations.” These tariffs, effective immediately, increase the financial burden on imports from Canada and Mexico, with Canadian energy products facing an additional 10% duty.
The Mexican president dismissed claims made by the U.S. government regarding drug trafficking as baseless and offensive. Specifically, she refuted a White House publication that attributed ongoing drug trade issues to an unsatisfactory relationship with the Mexican government, countering this with achievements made by her administration against cartel activities. She noted, “We collaborate to avoid illegal drug trafficking to the United States… that country’s government must take responsibility too for the crisis of opioid consumption.”
President Sheinbaum asserted that the forthcoming tariffs are not intended to escalate conflict but to represent a necessary response to U.S. policies. She maintained that this trade situation could have adverse effects, highlighting, “It’s inconceivable that they don’t think about the damage this is going to cause to United States citizens and businesses.” Meanwhile, in response to the U.S. tariffs, China imposed additional tariffs on American agricultural products, indicating a global rise in trade tensions.
In summary, Mexico’s response to the tariffs imposed by the United States signifies a pivotal moment in North American trade relations. President Sheinbaum’s statements reflect the government’s commitment to defending Mexico’s economic interests while calling for responsibility from the U.S. regarding drug trafficking. The potential consequences of these tariffs emphasize the interconnectedness of the economies of North America. Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by China’s parallel actions, indicating widespread trade disputes.
Original Source: apnews.com
