Mexican Enterprises and Local Leaders React to New US Tariffs
Latin American voices are expressing concerns over the new tariffs imposed on Mexico’s exports destined for the U.S., alongside the potential for additional measures.
Sheinbaum previously stated during a press conference on March 4 that Mexico would take retaliatory measures against the new U.S. tariffs.
“The unilateral decision made by the United States affects both national and foreign companies operating in our country and impacts our citizens. As a result, we have chosen to respond with a combination of tariff and non-tariff actions,” Sheinbaum commented.
She further indicated additional details would be unveiled on March 9, emphasizing that “nobody wins” with the U.S. tariffs.
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Many citizens, influential figures, and politicians in Mexico are voicing their opposition to Trump’s new tariffs and the potential for a trade conflict with the United States.
Mexican businessman Ricardo Benjamín Salinas Pliego has expressed his disapproval of retaliatory tariffs against the U.S.
Some Mexican legislators have attributed the blame to the country’s leadership for not taking a stronger stance against organized crime and drug trafficking.
Senator Lilly Téllez criticized Sheinbaum for hesitating to take action, arguing that Trump’s tariffs stem from the Mexican government’s “pact with drug traffickers.”
(Left) Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum listens to a question at the National Palace in Mexico City on Nov. 6, 2024; (Right) President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on Jan. 29, 2025. Alfredo Estrella, Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images
Ruiz also admonished Sheinbaum for delaying action to safeguard Mexican businesses, stating Mexico must diversify its exports and enhance commercial relationships with other nations.
Additionally, Ruiz emphasized the need for financial support and guidance for small and medium-sized exporting companies in Mexico.
Carlos Hernandez, a shop owner in Oaxaca, conveyed to The Epoch Times that he doesn’t anticipate businesses in his region to feel the effects of U.S. tariffs as swiftly as those in northern states like Sonora, where one of his brothers is employed in the copper industry.
Nevertheless, he believes it is inevitable that everyone will face consequences in some form.
“Both sides will encounter the [economic] ramifications of U.S. tariffs, but Mexico will endure the most severe consequences,” Hernandez stated.
He reported that around 83 percent of Mexico’s exports are directed towards the United States, thus making the new import duties detrimental to profit margins and product competitiveness.
Orihuela further mentioned that U.S. tariffs would likely result in decreased Mexican exports and local job losses associated with those sectors.
Hernandez anticipates price increases for various goods should Mexico’s president decide to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. products, mentioning that “it will trickle down to everyone eventually. We could find ourselves in serious trouble,” he stated.
Others residing in Mexico fear that a potential economic decline resulting from Trump’s tariffs could empower drug cartels to solidify their control over the country.
“The very last thing this country needs is a trade war with the United States,” said Renata Aguilar, a former boutique hotel owner who’s now retired and living near Mexico City, during her conversation with The Epoch Times.
Aguilar expressed concern that the average Mexican family cannot withstand financial strain from a severe economic downturn.
Impoverished and rural locales lacking employment options have historically made it easier for cartels like Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation to gain traction.
A truck burns on a street in Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico, on Jan. 5, 2023, following the capture of Ovidio Guzmán by security forces, resulting in gunfights and roadblocks.Martin Urista/AP Photo
“We’ve experienced the detrimental effects of the cartels before, with so many people ending up working for them. How much worse will it get if more jobs vanish?” Aguilar questioned.
“Cartels present an appealing alternative for many young men in Mexico who see limited chances for social mobility and decent salaries,” the study noted.
Since his inauguration in January, Trump has cautioned Canada and Mexico about impending tariffs, citing the “extraordinary threat” posed by unchecked drug trafficking from these countries to U.S. national security.
The official fact sheet further claimed that the Mexican government has afforded a “haven” for the cartels involved in the production and transport of narcotics to the United States.
Other Leaders Weigh In
Countries throughout Latin America are gearing up for counteractions if Trump moves forward with additional tariffs in the region.
“I heard that he is planning to tax Brazilian steel. If that happens, Brazil will respond commercially, challenge the measure before the World Trade Organization or impose tariffs on American products we import,” Lula remarked.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during the opening of the National Construction Industry meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, on Nov. 26, 2024. Adriano Machado/Reuters
Lula further stated that if Trump implements tariffs against Brazil, his administration will respond accordingly. “Undoubtedly, there will be reciprocity,” he affirmed.
On February 13, the White House proclaimed that the United States is among the most “open economies globally,” yet faces closed markets for many of its exports.
“This lack of reciprocity is unjust and contributes to our substantial and persistent trade deficit,” the announcement indicated.
Meanwhile, Argentinian President Javier Milei endorsed Trump’s reciprocal tariff strategies in Latin America.
Milei declared he aims to make Argentina the first country to join the reciprocity agreement being proposed by the Trump administration regarding trade.
