President Claudia Sheinbaum, at a Wednesday press conference celebrating Children’s Day, discussed economic growth and trade diversification. She emphasized Mexico’s improved trade position due to changes in U.S. tariffs and highlighted ongoing negotiations with Brazil and the European Union. She also shared personal anecdotes about her childhood heroes.
In her recent Wednesday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated Mexico’s Día del Niño, or Children’s Day, while discussing vital economic issues including trade diversification and the latest growth data for the country. During the event, she revealed that two fictional characters significantly influenced her childhood in Mexico City.
On the topic of trade, Sheinbaum noted that adjustments to the United States’ auto tariffs provide Mexico with “an additional comparative advantage.” However, she also recognized that some Mexican goods now face U.S. duties—a situation that materialized after President Trump began his second term. “The thing [Trump decided] yesterday benefits us more than what we had the day before yesterday,” she remarked, highlighting the ongoing need for dialogue with the U.S.
Addressing concerns about the necessity for accelerated trade diversification away from the U.S., Sheinbaum reassured reporters about ongoing efforts. “We’re also working on that,” she said, emphasizing Mexico’s nearly finalized trade agreement with the European Union. She added that high-level Brazilian officials are expected to visit soon to explore “options for economic collaboration.”
Sheinbaum expressed optimism regarding future cooperation between Mexico and Brazil, the largest economies in Latin America. “It’s not about substituting products that are made in Mexico for those from Brazil,” she explained. Instead, both countries aim to identify unique contributions each can make to strengthen their economic ties, stressing the importance of mutual investment.
Recent discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the CELAC Summit in Honduras have sparked initiatives for further collaboration. Sheinbaum mentioned that her administration is also focused on enhancing communication with various countries, including those in Asia. There seems to be a dual aim: increase exports to Asia while reducing dependency on imports from nations like China, as part of the broader Plan México initiative.
Sheinbaum presented economic data to justify her positive outlook: Mexico’s economy grew by 0.8% in Q1, contrary to widespread predictions of a recession. “Everyone said there was going to be a decline, but there is growth—0.8%,” she asserted. She also highlighted unemployment numbers, declaring a record low in March, while inflation remained relatively stable during the early weeks of April.
In terms of recent inflation figures, she mentioned that the annual rate had climbed slightly to 3.96% in April, a modest uptick from 3.80% in March. Coupled with economic growth, she believes these indicators reflect positively on Mexico’s current fiscal health.
On a lighter note, Sheinbaum reminisced about her childhood heroes, citing Kalimán, a Mexican superhero from a popular 1960s radio drama, and Princess Comet, a magical character from a Japanese cartoon series broadcast during the same era. “Kalimán, El Hombre Increíble… I listened to Kalimán a lot then, it was those times,” she recalled.
Although President Sheinbaum does not possess a magic wand, she does carry two “batons of command” that are part of her vision for what she describes as the “fourth transformation” of Mexico, initiated by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. She received one baton from López Obrador in 2023 and another from Olga Sánchez in 2024, symbolizing her commitment to the women of Mexico.
In summary, Sheinbaum’s comments during the Wednesday press conference reflect a blend of optimism toward Mexico’s economic prospects and a nostalgic look back at her childhood heroes, demonstrating her multifaceted leadership as she navigates domestic and international matters.
In conclusion, President Claudia Sheinbaum utilized her Wednesday press conference to address trade diversification and economic progress in Mexico. While celebrating children on Día del Niño, she provided insights into the country’s growth, ongoing trade discussions—particularly with the U.S. and Brazil—and her personal reflections on childhood heroes. With a focus on economic cooperation and optimism amid global uncertainties, Sheinbaum appears committed to steering Mexico towards a diversified and resilient economic future.
Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com
