Claudia Sheinbaum says Trump’s new tariffs ‘good for Mexico’
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has praised the latest U.S. tariff announcement by President Donald Trump, calling it "good for Mexico" and crediting the strong bilateral relationship between the two administrations for the country’s favourable position.
Speaking during her daily morning press conference on Thursday, April 3, Sheinbaum emphasised that Mexico — along with Canada — was excluded from the new wave of U.S. tariffs imposed on the rest of the world, El Comercio reports.
“In the case of Mexico, there are no additional tariffs, nor for Canada, although there are some specifications in Canada’s case. That is good for the country. Although some may not want to admit it, this is due to the good relationship we’ve built with the United States government,” Sheinbaum said.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs — including a base 10% rate on all imports and elevated rates for key regions, such as 20% for the European Union and 34% for China. However, countries within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA or T-MEC) bloc were largely spared.
While certain Mexican exports, such as steel, aluminium, and vehicles containing non-U.S. components, will still face a 25% tariff under existing measures, Mexico was excluded from the newly introduced "reciprocal tariffs" that target non-USMCA trading partners.
President Sheinbaum attributed this favourable treatment to what she described as a respectful and coordinated relationship with Washington.
"This is a relationship based on sovereignty, cooperation, and mutual respect. It’s not just about governments, it’s also about the unity of the Mexican people,” she added.
“Today, Mexico is highly respected - not only by the United States but by the world,” Sheinbaum said. “This relationship of respect and open dialogue with President Trump has allowed us to secure a preferential position.”
The president reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to ongoing dialogue with the U.S., adding that Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard has cultivated a close working relationship with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
