Claudia Sheinbaum Claps Back at Trump’s Tariff Threats: ‘We Negotiate as Equals’

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has wasted no time responding to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. During a press conference Tuesday, Sheinbaum warned that the proposed tariffs would wreak havoc on both economies, vowing that Mexico would retaliate if necessary.

Her sharp rebuke not only defended Mexico’s economic stability but also highlighted her willingness to stand up to Trump’s aggressive trade tactics—setting the stage for a contentious relationship between the two leaders.

Why Tariffs Could Backfire for Both the U.S. and Mexico

Sheinbaum criticized Trump’s threats, warning of the dire consequences tariffs would have on cross-border trade.

“Tariffs are a tax and would hurt both countries,” Sheinbaum said in a letter to Trump, as reported by Reuters. She emphasized that the economic fallout would result in inflation, job losses, and disruption to key industries, including automotive manufacturing.

The Mexican president added, “One tariff would follow another in response, and so on, until we put our common businesses at risk.”

The United States is Mexico’s top trade partner, with trade between the two nations making up 15.8% of the U.S.’s total trade as of September, according to The Washington Post. Trump’s proposed tariffs, which he plans to implement as one of his first executive actions, would primarily hit industries deeply intertwined between the two economies.

The Auto Industry Is Caught in the Crossfire

Sheinbaum pointed out that the tariffs would harm U.S. car manufacturers with plants in Mexico, including General Motors and Ford. “Why put a tax on them that puts them at risk? It is not acceptable,” she stated, as quoted by MSNBC.

The automotive industry is critical for Mexico, accounting for over 35% of the country’s manufactured exports. According to Reuters, the United States is the destination for nearly 80% of Mexico’s exported vehicles.

Sheinbaum Fires Back at Trump’s Drug and Migration Claims

Trump tied his tariff threats to Mexico’s role in the flow of fentanyl and migrants to the United States, claims Sheinbaum strongly disputed.

“We do not produce these weapons, nor do we consume synthetic drugs. Tragically, it is in our country that lives are lost to the violence resulting from meeting the drug demand in yours,” she said.

Sheinbaum also highlighted Mexico’s efforts to stem migration. “Caravans of migrants no longer reach the border,” she noted. Despite these measures, she added that U.S.-sourced weapons continue to fuel violence in Mexico, as reported by The Associated Press.

A New Kind of Leadership from Mexico’s First Female President

Unlike her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who maintained a transactional relationship with Trump during his first term, Sheinbaum has taken a more confrontational approach. She stated clearly, “We negotiate as equals; there is no subordination here.”

Political analysts note this marks a departure from Mexico’s previous strategy of appeasing Trump. Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Banco Base, told The Associated Press that this could escalate tensions. “Mexico’s response, that we’re going to respond to you with tariffs, will make Trump really impose them.”

Mexico Is Ready to Negotiate—but Not at Any Cost

Despite her strong words, Sheinbaum expressed a willingness to negotiate. “Dialogue is the best path to achieve understanding, peace, and prosperity for our two countries,” she said, per The Associated Press.

However, she made it clear that Mexico is prepared to retaliate with tariffs of its own if Trump moves forward. Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard warned earlier this month that any U.S. tariffs would violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which prohibits such unilateral actions.

Claudia Sheinbaum Proves She’s Ready for the Fight

Sheinbaum’s response underscores her determination to lead Mexico on her terms. As the nation’s first female president, she continues to emphasize the importance of equality and sovereignty in her leadership.

“We will never betray the people or our principles,” she said at a rally earlier this week, per The Financial Times. Her strong stance on Trump’s threats signals her readiness to defend Mexico’s interests—even in the face of significant challenges.

Whether Trump follows through on his promises or backs down as he did in 2018, one thing is clear: Claudia Sheinbaum is not backing down.