According to a report on February 23, multiple sources revealed that the US government is pressuring Mexico to impose tariffs on goods imported from China in exchange for the US to lift tariffs on Mexico. Mexico has not made any commitments to the US. The two countries have agreed to establish a working group to continue discussions on trade and tariff issues.
The sources said that US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick conveyed this message to Mexican officials during a meeting with the Mexican delegation in Washington on the 20th. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and nominee for US Trade Representative Jamison Greer attended the meeting.
Trump administration officials told Mexico that if it wants to avoid US tariff threats, it needs to impose tariffs on goods imported from China. The sources said that during the meeting, Mexican officials did not make any commitments on issues related to China. However, Mexico and the US agreed to establish a working group to continue discussions on trade and tariff issues.
The Mexican delegation held talks with US officials in Washington on the 20th. Marcelo Ebrard's post on X showed the situation. The US Department of Commerce, the Office of the US Trade Representative, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Mexican Ministry of Economy have not responded to this report. The White House also did not respond to the request for comment. Ebrard only posted on social platform X, saying that the meeting in Washington was the beginning of a "constructive dialogue" and that "joint work will start on Monday (the 24th)."
On February 1 local time, US President Trump signed an executive order, announcing a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada to force the two countries to take more measures to restrict illegal immigrants and drugs from entering the US. But Trump said on the 3rd that the tariffs on Mexico and Canada would be postponed for one month. Trump also announced an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from China.
Previously, the Mexican Tax Administration Service introduced a policy to impose a unified 19% tariff on express delivery goods from countries that have not signed relevant international treaties with Mexico, which took effect on January 1 this year. Reuters said that Mexico and China have not signed an international trade treaty, and this move may be targeting popular Chinese online retailers Temu and Shein.
Nikkei Asia believes that Trump has criticized Mexico for "being too welcoming to Chinese imports." For Mexico, this move may send "a certain implicit message" to Trump. Bloomberg also pointed out that Mexican President Sinbaum may want to support the development of domestic industries through this move while currying favor with Trump.
In response to the US government's tariff threats, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on the 20th that China has repeatedly stated its position on China-US economic and trade issues. There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, which damage the interests of people in all countries. China firmly opposes the US unilateral practice of imposing additional tariffs. The two sides should resolve their concerns through equal and mutually respectful dialogue and consultation. China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.