Mexican President Hits Back at Tariff Threats from Trump
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a plan to impose high tariffs on Mexican goods entering the US. Sheinbaum rejected the idea, stating that the tariffs would not stop migrants or drugs from reaching the US border and warned that Mexico would respond with its own tariffs on American-made goods.
Mexican President’s Response
Sheinbaum emphasized that one tariff would be followed by another, and so on, until common businesses were put at risk. She also highlighted Mexico’s efforts in addressing migration and drug trafficking, noting that US border patrol apprehensions of undocumented migrants have decreased by three-quarters since December, and significant quantities of illicit narcotics have been seized.
Trump’s Claims
Trump had announced on Monday that he would impose a 25% tax on all imports from Mexico and Canada, claiming that this would stop drugs, especially fentanyl, and illegal immigration. However, Sheinbaum criticized Trump’s assertions, stating that the issues of migration and drug consumption in the US "will not be dealt with by threats or with tariffs."
Economic Impact
Analysts have questioned the effectiveness of Trump’s plan, with some doubting its legality and others predicting that it would lead to inflation and job losses in both countries. Valeria Moy, a Mexican economist, noted that the USMCA free trade agreement between the three countries makes it unclear if such tariffs would be possible. She also predicted that Trump’s plan would lead to a more authoritarian and tougher leadership.
Experts’ Views
Viri Ríos, a public policy expert, believes that Trump might impose the tariffs briefly to please his supporters, but it would not be a long-term strategy. Moy emphasized that the main victim of the tariffs would be the American consumer, as prices would rise and inflation would increase.
Conclusion
The tariff threat has sparked a heated debate between the two leaders, with each side refusing to back down. While Trump claims that the tariffs would stop drugs and illegal immigration, Sheinbaum believes that the plan is a failed attempt to address the complex issues of migration and drug trafficking. As the situation unfolds, the impact on the economies of both countries remains uncertain.
FAQs
- Would the tariffs stop drugs and illegal immigration?
- Experts doubt that the tariffs would be effective in stopping drugs and illegal immigration, as the demand for drugs in the US drives the issue.
- Is the plan legal?
- The legality of the plan is unclear, as it may violate the USMCA free trade agreement between the three countries.
- What would be the economic impact?
- The tariffs could lead to inflation and job losses in both countries, with the American consumer being the main victim.
- Would Trump follow through with the plan?
- Some analysts believe that Trump might impose the tariffs briefly to please his supporters, but it would not be a long-term strategy.
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