Facing potential tariffs from the U.S., Mexico is deploying troops to deter migration, cooperating with U.S. authorities on cartel operations, and imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. The efforts aim to strengthen relations with the U.S. amid President Trump's threats.
Mexico’s Strategic Maneuvers to Deflect Tariff Threats from Trump
Mexico’s Strategic Maneuvers to Deflect Tariff Threats from Trump
In a bid to avoid tariff imposition from the Trump administration, Mexico implements robust strategies tackling drug trafficking and migration while also countering Chinese economic influence.
As the specter of trade tariffs looms over Mexico, the nation’s leaders are proactively addressing concerns raised by President Trump about migration and illicit drugs. President Claudia Sheinbaum has initiated several assertive measures, deploying 10,000 troops to stem the flow of migrants heading toward the U.S. The strategy includes breaking up migrant caravans and relocating individuals far from the border to reduce crossings.
In a notable shift from previous policies, Sheinbaum’s administration has begun handing over high-profile cartel leaders to the U.S. and utilizing intelligence from CIA drone surveillance to bolster their crackdown on drug trafficking. This includes seizing record amounts of fentanyl, a move aimed at countering the claim that Mexico does not play a significant role in the drug trade.
In parallel, Mexico is also levying tariffs on a variety of Chinese imports, hoping to demonstrate to the Trump administration that it could serve as a beneficial economic partner rather than a rival. Despite Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff soon, financial markets in Mexico show resilience, with analysts expressing confidence in Sheinbaum’s crisis management abilities. Diego Marroquín Bitar, a trade scholar, noted that her approach substantially outperforms her predecessors, suggesting that consensus on a mutually agreeable solution is within reach.
