Mexico’s Sheinbaum Presses for Deal to Avert Trump’s 30% Tariffs

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that her administration is working “on everything” to prevent the 30% tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump from taking effect on 1 August. Sheinbaum told reporters she is confident a settlement can be reached and is prepared to call Trump personally if talks stall. A delegation led by Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard is in Washington discussing a package that addresses U.S. worries over its trade deficit and security, including measures under the government’s Plan Mexico to curb fentanyl trafficking. “We put a very concrete proposal on the table; they are reviewing it,” Sheinbaum said, adding that technical talks have recorded “important progress.” Trump announced the tariff threat in mid-July, citing what he called insufficient Mexican action against drug cartels. He indicated the duty could be revised if Mexico shows results on security and narco-trafficking. The proposed levy would add to existing U.S. duties on Mexican steel, aluminum and some auto parts. Sheinbaum said the objective is to preserve the tariff-free regime established by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement while protecting Mexican sovereignty. Failure to reach a deal could disrupt supply chains that have drawn nearshoring investment to Mexico and raise costs for U.S. manufacturers relying on Mexican inputs.