Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy , considered the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports by the United States as a “bad idea” that will have a global impact, and announced that on March 14 they will begin consultations with the steel and aluminum industry, as well as with other affected sectors, such as the automotive sector, to analyze the measures to be taken and review the tariff rates.
“Tomorrow, we will begin consultations with the industry involved in the steel and aluminum tariffs so that we can later take other measures to defend our companies or try to get those tariffs reviewed. There are measures that can be taken, but we won’t do it hastily,” he noted.
At Thursday’s morning press conference, he explained that details of the negotiations he has had with U.S. officials on the matter are not yet complete, as they are ongoing daily.
Ebrard emphasized that the goal is to protect companies, and that his instructions are that no measures will be taken without considering the bigger picture.
“We’re going to have very intense talks this week. Mexico’s integration is exceptional; it doesn’t exist with other countries. We’ll act with composure and firmness, and we’ll achieve the best possible position,” he added.
In this regard, he reiterated that meetings with U.S. officials will continue and assured that they will not make hasty decisions. He also specified that they will wait until April 2 to use all available resources for Mexico’s benefit.
At the conference, he acknowledged President Claudia Sheinbaum ‘s intervention in halting the imposition of 25% tariffs on products imported from Mexico that are part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April 2, and noted that because of this, the country is doing better than other nations on tariff issues.
On March 12, U.S. President Donald Trump implemented 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, signing executive orders on February 10 “with no exceptions or exemptions.”
In response to this measure, Sheinbaum said they will wait until April 2 to decide whether her administration will apply reciprocal tariffs to the United States on these products.
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