Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Tuesday that the “eye for an eye” strategy will not be used as the nation prepares for higher import taxes from the US that will take effect this week.
The head of the largest trading partner of the United States made his remarks the night before President Donald Trump is anticipated to announce “reciprocal” tariffs, which would impose a 25 per cent tax on imported automobiles and auto parts.
Mexico has consistently prioritised communication and has pledged a “comprehensive response” to Trump’s tariffs.
But Sheinbaum stated on 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 stated that “of course, measures are taken (in Mexico) because measures are taken on the other side, but the dialogue must continue.”
Trump has declared Wednesday to be America’s “Liberation Day,” and he plans to announce a number of so-called “reciprocal tariffs.”
He maintains that the levies are required to address trade imbalances with other nations.
Mexico’s close commercial links with the United States make it one of the economies most susceptible to Trump’s tariffs.
There are numerous foreign-owned auto assembly plants in the Latin American country run by Ford, General Motors, BMW, Volkswagen, and Toyota, among others.
The United States purchases almost 80 per cent of Mexico’s exports, including about three million automobiles annually.
According to Sheinbaum, her administration would not react until it had heard the specifics of Trump’s decision on Wednesday.
“We don’t know exactly what will be announced on April 2; no nation in the world knows,” she stated during her daily press conference.
Regarding migration, another issue of disagreement with Mexico’s northern neighbour, Sheinbaum maintained that her government was prepared to “coordinate” efforts with the United States but “not subordinate” to it.
“The president answers to one authority only, and that is the people of Mexico,” she added.
The head of US Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, visited Sheinbaum last Friday and reportedly presented the president with a list of requests aimed at reducing migration, including more authority over Mexico’s border with Guatemala.
Many people who are seeking to travel from South America to the United States pass via Guatemala.
