Mexico City (EFE).- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Tuesday that her government will seek to eliminate tariffs on steel, aluminum, and vehicles as part of the agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA), considering that these tariffs hinder trade within the region.
«We want the reduction or, better yet, the removal of all tariffs that comply with the rules of origin,» the president said, referring to Washington’s measures on steel and aluminum imports.
Sheinbaum explained that Mexico’s position also includes reducing or eliminating charges or quotas in the automotive sector, one of the pillars of regional trade.
«That is our position. Obviously, we want the tariffs on vehicles to reach zero. If not, then at least there should be no greater quota for vehicles from Mexico than for those made in Europe or Korea, as they have agreed,» she stated.
Sheinbaum underlined that these positions have been presented directly to US President Donald Trump, as well as in working groups between officials from both countries.
Sheinbaum added that Washington has addressed two central issues for the agreement’s review: compliance with the rules of origin and strengthening regional supply chains.
The Mexican president stressed that there is constant communication with Washington while preparing for the formal start of the USMCA joint review, including periodic evaluations among the three countries.
«There is constant communication, and we believe that, for the benefit of both countries, tariffs should not exist,» she said.
These statements come just days before Mexico’s first negotiations with the US on Mar. 16 and with Canada in May regarding the review of the USMCA. EFE
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