Claudia Sheinbaum Hits Back at Trump: Bold Warning on Tariffs and Looming Economic Chaos

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Hints at Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to Trump’s Proposed Import Tax.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has indicated that Mexico will retaliate with its own tariffs if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump implements a proposed 25% import tax on goods from Mexico and Canada. Speaking on Monday, Sheinbaum warned that such actions could trigger a trade war with serious consequences for both economies. “One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses,” she stated.

Trump’s announcement, made via his Truth Social platform, outlined his intention to impose the tariff as his first presidential action. He framed the measure as a means to curb the flow of migrants and narcotics, specifically fentanyl, across the U.S.-Mexico border. “This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!” Trump wrote. He further called on Mexico and Canada to address what he termed “long simmering problems,” adding, “Until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

In response, Sheinbaum argued that Trump’s plan would fail to address the root causes of migration or drug trafficking and would instead harm both nations’ economies. “What sense is there?” she questioned, emphasizing that the proposed tariffs could lead to inflation and job losses on both sides of the border.

Sheinbaum also pointed out that Mexico has taken significant measures to control migration flows and suggested that the issue of drug abuse is primarily a U.S. domestic problem. “We are willing to engage in talks, but drugs are a U.S. problem,” she stated. She also highlighted Mexico’s own challenges with weapons smuggled from the United States, underscoring the complexities of bilateral relations.

As tensions rise, Sheinbaum’s comments signal a firm stance from Mexico and a willingness to counter Trump’s trade policies, potentially setting the stage for contentious negotiations between the two neighboring nations.