CSP Seeks to Resolve Tariff Dispute with Trump Ahead of Deadline
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo during Flag Day commemorations on Monday, Feb. 24. Photo: Presidencia
By KELIN DILLON
In a bid to avoid the imposition of tariffs on Mexican goods by the United States, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (CSP) has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing the importance of prioritizing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The deadline for reaching an agreement, set by Trump, is Tuesday, March 4, a date agreed upon after a “productive” phone call between the U.S. and Mexican federal executives earlier this month.
During a press conference on Monday, Feb. 24, Sheinbaum expressed her readiness for further discussions with Trump.
“I would be, if necessary, looking for another phone call with President Trump, whatever it takes,” said Sheinbum at the time.
Mexican Secretary of the Economy Marcelo Ebrard has reportedly already initiated talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, although the specifics of any agreements remain undisclosed.
The looming threat of tariffs stems from Trump’s concerns over national security, particularly regarding migration and fentanyl trafficking.
In light of this tension, Sheinbaum asserted Mexico’s independence during a Flag Day commemoration later on Monday, declaring that the Fourth Transformation (4T) government will no longer kneel to foreign powers.
“It must be clear that we claim that Mexico is respected, that we are not a colony or protectorate of any country,” she emphasized amid rising pressures from the U.S.
Sheinbaum also reiterated Mexico’s sovereignty, referencing her recent initiative to reform the Mexican Constitution to safeguard national integrity.
The new constitutional initiatives aim to prevent foreign intervention and outline severe penalties for violations of Mexican sovereignty.
She maintained that Mexico will not tolerate acts detrimental to its integrity under any circumstances, stating, “Any foreigner who carries out activities outside the law… will be imposed the most severe penalty possible, as well as the precautionary measure of preventive detention.”