Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed during a Monday press conference that her recent phone discussion with former U.S. President Donald Trump yielded no immediate resolution to proposed tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automotive imports. The leaders debated the economic implications of such measures, with Sheinbaum asserting Mexico's trade deficit in steel and aluminum with the U.S. makes tariffs counterproductive.
She emphasized Mexico's reliance on two key frameworks to challenge the tariffs: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which governs North American trade, and WTO rules enforcing equitable treatment through the 'Most Favored Nation' clause. 'We’re presenting data-driven arguments to prevent harm to both economies,' Sheinbaum stated at Mexico’s National Palace, highlighting cross-border supply chain interdependencies.
Separately, Mexican Environment Minister Alicia Barcenas met U.S. counterparts in San Diego to address untreated sewage flowing from Tijuana into Pacific coastal waters—a longstanding environmental concern impacting communities on both sides of the border. The discussions signal ongoing bilateral efforts to tackle shared challenges beyond trade.
