As the United States and Mexico enter a new phase in their bilateral relationship, trade tensions and cross-border policy challenges have come to the forefront. Recent discussions around tariffs, security cooperation, and migration policy reflect shifting priorities in both countries.
Source: newslinereport.com
With a long-standing trade agreement in place, leaders on both sides are working to navigate complex economic and diplomatic terrain.
Against this backdrop, Wyoming Star (WS) with Verónica Velasco, a prominent figure in Mexican politics and a member of the Ecologist Green Party, to better understand Mexico’s perspective on these critical issues.
- WS: What is the general attitude of the Mexican public towards US President Donald Trump’s recent policies?
I believe the opinion of the Mexican people was clearly expressed during the mass rally for “national unity and the defense of dignity and sovereignty,” held on March 9 this year at the Zócalo in Mexico City. Under the slogan “You are not alone,” thousands responded to the president’s call. The main reason for this demonstration was the president’s announcement of a response plan to unilateral tariff measures imposed on Mexico. Meanwhile, the US, Mexico, and Canada have had a trade agreement (T-MEC) in place for over 30 years, and the imposition of tariffs violates this agreement under the pretexts of drug trafficking and migration.
Governors of all 32 states, business sectors, workers, unions, and the general public supported President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
Mexicans, in general, rejected any foreign interference, submission, or intervention, reaffirming their commitment to independence, sovereignty, dialogue, cooperation, and coordination.
Moreover, not only Mexico but the entire world opposes trade wars involving tariffs, as they cause global economic recessions. These lead to reduced consumption, declining investment, rising unemployment, financial market crashes, and harm at both international and domestic levels. Additionally, tariffs usually fall on the shoulders of the end consumer.
The President of Mexico is aware of the consequences of a trade war, which is why she declared that Mexico does not intend to participate in one. Instead, she offers dialogue and negotiations based on mutual respect for the sovereignty of both countries, with calmness and rationality.
Economic or trade conflict between Mexico and the US weakens both countries amidst the growth of other regions. The President repeatedly emphasizes:
“Cooperation and coordination — yes; submission and interference — no. Mexico deserves respect. We are equal nations.”
- WS: How is Mexico responding to the 25% tariffs imposed by the US on certain Mexican goods? What strategies are being considered to mitigate the consequences?
The Mexican government is defending the provisions of the T-MEC trade agreement, which was signed by Trump himself during his previous term and outlines clear rules excluding tariffs for many goods between partners.
The president also introduced a plan to strengthen and protect the economy from political fluctuations.
The “Mexico Plan,” in brief:
Increase food self-sufficiency.
Increase energy self-sufficiency.
Accelerate infrastructure projects through 2025 — roads, interchanges, passenger and freight trains, ports, airports, schools, hospitals, and indigenous community support.
Accelerate housing construction and loan availability.
Expand domestic production for the local market (textiles, footwear, furniture, steel, aluminum, solar panels, batteries, etc.).
Develop the automotive industry with a focus on innovation and energy efficiency.
Grow the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
Develop petrochemicals and fertilizer production.
Increase the share of domestic products in government procurement.
Boost sales of Mexican products in retail chains.
Promote Mexico’s investment portfolio.
Launch tenders to build 15 “Welfare Poles.”
Create at least 100,000 new jobs.
Implement small business support programs.
Invest in science and simplify patent registration.
Update the anti-crisis package against inflation.
Continuously raise the minimum wage to the level of 2.5 basic goods baskets.
Guarantee and expand social programs enshrined in the Constitution.
- WS: Since the US administration justifies tariffs with issues such as drug trafficking and migration, how does Mexico view these in diplomatic relations?
On drug trafficking:
The US has a serious public health issue as the world’s largest consumer of psychoactive substances. This demand fuels drug trafficking from around the world. Until the root causes of consumption are addressed, distributors and money laundering on Wall Street are tackled, and American gun shops stop arming traffickers — the problem will remain out of control.
In just six months of Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, historic security achievements have been recorded: seizures of drugs and weapons, destruction of labs, over 10,000 arrests, and extraditions requested by the US.
These results show the Mexican government’s determination to combat organized crime, arms trafficking, and drug trade.
On migration:
The Mexican government is doing everything possible to eliminate the causes of forced migration, recognizing migration as a human right. Migrants are respected as individuals and their dignity is protected. Moreover, 80% of the income earned by Mexican workers in the US remains in the US Without their labor, neither the US nor Mexican economies would be as developed.
Additionally, the contribution of Latinos to the US economy is significant:
According to a UCLA and Latino Donor Collaborative study, from 2019 to 2022, the real GDP of Latinos in the U.S. grew by 4.8% annually, while the national average was only 1.5%. During that time, Latinos accounted for 41.4% of US GDP growth, despite making up just 19.2% of the population.
During the pandemic, Latino GDP in the US was the fastest-growing among the world’s top 10 economies — outpacing China, India, and the US itself.
From 2010 to 2022, Latino GDP in the US grew from $1.6 trillion to $3.7 trillion. In 2022, Latino consumption reached $2.53 trillion — 11% more than Russia’s total GDP and 17% more than Canada’s.
Within the US, Latino consumption exceeds the economy of Texas by 5% and that of New York by 23%. From 2010 to 2022, Latino consumption grew by 62.4%, while non-Latino consumption grew only 22.6%.
Thus, Latino GDP is not only a growth engine but a foundational part of the US economy. In 2022, it accounted for about 14% of the total US GDP ($26 trillion). This is a contribution Trump seeks to tear from his own country’s economy without compensation. His actions are akin to shooting himself in the foot — if not the head.
- WS: Given the possibility of retaliatory tariffs, what measures is Mexico taking to protect its economic interests?
The Mexican and US economies are closely integrated, and alongside dialogue and cooperation, the above-described Mexico Plan is being implemented.
- WS: How is Mexican industry adapting to current trade conditions and uncertainty caused by US tariff policy?
The Mexican industrial sector has united in support of the president’s economic policy. Numerous incentives and conditions have been created to attract investment.
- WS: What must Mexico do to reduce vulnerability to external economic pressure and strengthen its position in future negotiations with the US?
We do not feel vulnerable.
We have a solid economic foundation:
- In March 2025, a record employment level was recorded: 22,465,110 officially employed.
- Tax revenues for January–March reached a record 1.717 trillion pesos — 19.5% higher than in 2024, without raising taxes.
- The Bank of Mexico’s reserves reached an unprecedented $237 billion.
- The interest rate was recently cut by 50 basis points thanks to controlled inflation.
As economic and diplomatic dynamics shift, maintaining strong communication between Mexico and the United States is increasingly important. Both nations are navigating complex issues — including migration, trade policy, and cross-border security — that require coordinated strategies. Whether they would be agreed upon and implemented accordingly, remains to be seen.
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