Mexico urges US ‘consideration’ over new vehicle tariffs

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the US to show “consideration” after new tariffs on heavy vehicles, stressing the importance of USMCA trade ties in shielding Mexico from harsh economic impacts.

Mexico City: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she hoped the United States would show “consideration” toward Mexico following the US decision to impose new tariffs on heavy vehicle imports.

“We are already in talks, hoping there will be consideration toward Mexico,” Sheinbaum said on Monday during her daily press conference, adding that the tariffs could be problematic for both countries, Xinhua news agency reported.

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a slew of new tariffs, including a 25 per cent tariff on imported heavy vehicles starting October 1, as part of his policy to strengthen the domestic industry.

Sheinbaum noted that under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on free trade, Mexico’s exports have grown in sectors not subject to tariffs, particularly those excluding finished vehicles, steel, or copper, benefiting from the accord’s “zero-tariff” scheme.

“Trade ties with the United States continue to be very important and a very significant competitive advantage for Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.

Mexico has largely avoided major repercussions from US tariff policies so far, thanks to the USMCA trade pact. Sheinbaum expressed hope this relationship would continue to shield Mexico from harsh economic impacts.

About 85 per cent of Mexican exports meet the USMCA rules, protecting them from a 25 per cent fentanyl-related tariff. However, Trump said last month that tariffs would remain at 50 per cent on Mexican steel, aluminium, and copper, and 25 per cent on autos or goods that do not meet USMCA rules. He also announced that Mexico agreed to remove many of its non-tariff trade barriers.