Claudia Sheinbaum Stands Firm Against U.S. Tariffs and Defends Mexico’s Economic Sovereignty

Sheinbaum also expressed confidence in the strong relationship between the government and Mexico’s steel and aluminum producers. Mar 12, 2025 Photo: EFE

March 12, 2025 Hour: 7:19 pm

However, she warned that the country would not hesitate to take a firm response if significant progress is not made in bilateral negotiations. “We will not act hastily, but we will not allow unilateral impositions either,” she stated.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reaffirmed the Mexican government’s position regarding the tariffs imposed by the United States on Mexican steel and aluminum, announcing that the country will wait until April 2 to decide on possible reciprocal measures.

This statement comes after the recent visit of Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, to Washington, where he held talks with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

During a press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of dialogue and the defense of national sovereignty in response to the coercive actions of the Trump administration.

Les comparto mañanera sobre aranceles de EU a todos los países de los que importa acero y aluminio, así como del avance de conversaciones con miras al próximo 2 de abril : pic.twitter.com/7Y7b4YkrZ7
— Marcelo Ebrard C. (@m_ebrard) March 12, 2025

The president stressed that any decision on implementing reciprocal measures would be made in consultation with domestic producers and in coordination with the U.S. government, noting that the deadline coincides with the date set by Trump for the global tariffs to take effect.

Sheinbaum also expressed confidence in the strong relationship between the government and Mexico’s steel and aluminum producers.

Additionally, the president rejected any external conditioning of the country’s economic policies. While she mentioned that Mexico has a line of credit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), she assured that it is unnecessary given the strength of tax revenue and the new internal development model implemented by her administration.

In closing, Sheinbaum emphasized that “a strong peso reflects a solid economy,” supported by social and wage programs that prioritize the most vulnerable sectors and strengthen the domestic market.

In this way, she reaffirmed her commitment to an economic model that combats inequality and rejects neoliberal policies, positioning Mexico as a country that defends its sovereignty against external pressures.