Sheinbaum confirms Trump call as Mexico seeks tariff relief
Mexico’s president says progress is being made toward a bilateral deal, with a focus on reducing US import taxes on steel, aluminium, and automotive sectors ahead of the November midterm elections.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed a “very good” telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, providing a brief update on the status of bilateral trade negotiations between the two nations. Speaking at a morning news conference on Friday, Sheinbaum stated that the call took place on Wednesday, although she did not disclose specific details of the discussion.
The Mexican president indicated that progress is being made toward a potential agreement, emphasising that Mexico is working to reach a deal “soon” within a framework of sovereignty and mutual respect. Her comments come as both countries aim to finalise a new bilateral trade arrangement before the US midterm elections in November.
A primary objective for Mexico is to secure tariff relief for key industries, specifically steel, aluminium, and automotive products. These sectors were previously largely exempt from US import taxes under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which has facilitated significant economic integration over the past several decades. However, the Trump administration has recently imposed steep import taxes on these specific industries, prompting Mexico to adjust its trade strategy.
The timing of the negotiations is influenced by domestic political pressures in the United States, where many voters attribute rising prices to the imposition of broad import taxes by the current administration. As a result, Mexico is seeking to balance economic adjustments with the preservation of national sovereignty while navigating the reorientation of US trade relations.
The bilateral talks are occurring against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the US and Canada, which has led both sides to increase tariffs on certain products. Trump recently suggested he could end trade relations with Mexico and European countries in response to a decision by the US Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
Furthermore, previous remarks by Trump, including suggestions to make Canada the 51st state and to conduct US military operations on Mexican territory, have caused unease among neighbouring countries. These comments have drawn criticism from Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who have pushed back against what critics describe as a disregard for their sovereignty.
