|
The
meeting comes at a fragile moment for the two neighbors, whose
bilateral trade exceeded $800 billion last year. U.S. President
Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all imports
from Mexico — though so far limited them to steel and aluminum —
and signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as
the Gulf of America.
“In our first meeting, we will clarify the proposals put forth
by the United States, and what the new administration aims to
achieve," Ebrard told reporters on Tuesday. “Then we’ll put
Mexico’s arguments on the table, particularly those concerning
the (economic) integration between the two nations."
Ebrard said he would meet with Secretary of Commerce Howard
Lutnick and a number of Trump officials in a conversation that
would focus on the steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as the
importance of the country's bilateral trade relationship. Ebrard
added that he hoped to make a range of other proposals to
“improve” the existing trade relationship.
Meanwhile, Trump's wider tariff threat looms, something analysts
say could trigger a recession in Mexico. The imposition of
broader tariffs would likely start a trade war, with Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum promising reciprocal tariffs, both
of which would result in price increases for American consumers.
While Mexico has sought to diversify its trade relationships,
economists say decades of free trade and geographic proximity
limit its ability to make significant changes in the short term.
Ebrard on Tuesday seemed determined to avoid an escalation.
“Our response will never be rancor or conflict, but rather a
continued effort to move forward,” Ebrard said.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
|
|
