The Blubber

Mexico to Hit Back at U.S. Tariffs with Retaliatory Measures, Sheinbaum Says

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Tuesday that Mexico will respond to U.S. tariffs with its own countermeasures, following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% duties on Mexican and Canadian imports.

Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum said she will reveal Mexico’s targeted tariff list on Sunday at a public event in Mexico City’s central plaza, a move that suggests Mexico still hopes to de-escalate the growing trade war with its largest trading partner.

Mexico Holds Off While Canada Strikes First

Unlike Canada and China, which moved immediately to retaliate, Mexico has opted to wait until Sunday, despite having a prepared response plan since January.

• Canada announced $100 billion in counter-tariffs set to roll out over the next 21 days.
• China imposed new 15% tariffs on key U.S. farm exports, including chicken, pork, soy, and beef, while tightening business restrictions on American firms.

Sheinbaum criticized Trump’s decision, calling it unjustified and harmful to both nations.

“There is no motive, no reason, nor any justification for this decision, which will hurt our people and economies,” she said.

Tariffs Take Effect as Trade Tensions Rise

The U.S. tariffs officially kicked in just after midnight Tuesday, placing:

• 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports
• 10% tariffs on Canadian energy products
• 20% tariffs on all Chinese goods

Sheinbaum dismissed a White House “fact sheet” published Monday, which accused Mexico of tolerating cartel activity that fuels fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.

She called the claim “offensive, defamatory, and baseless”, highlighting Mexico’s recent efforts:

• Seizing over a ton of fentanyl
• Dismantling 329 methamphetamine labs
• Extraditing 29 cartel figures to the U.S. last week

“We work to stop illegal drug trafficking into the U.S., but as we’ve said many times, their government must take responsibility for its own opioid crisis,” Sheinbaum stated.

Mexico’s Response: Aimed at Resolution, Not Confrontation

Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico’s retaliatory tariffs are not meant to provoke a deeper economic conflict but to defend the country’s interests.

“It’s unthinkable that they don’t consider the damage this will cause to American citizens and businesses, as prices rise on goods produced in Mexico,” she warned.

“No one wins with this decision.”