Mexican president spells out opposition to new U.S. tariffs in letter to Trump

13/2/2025 15:59

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday reiterated her opposition to new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, saying she wrote a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump on the "unnecessary" measure.



The letter is to be sent to the White House along with pertinent trade data, Sheinbaum said at her usual morning press conference.



According to official figures, the United States registered a surplus of almost 6.897 billion U.S. dollars in steel and aluminum trade with Mexico in 2024.



An accompanying video explained that a tariff would simply raise the price of components used in different industries, such as the automotive industry.



The goal of presenting the information is "to show President Trump that in the particular case of aluminum and steel, they export more than we export ... The United States has a surplus," Sheinbaum stressed.



Amid growing trade tensions between Mexico and the United States, Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is expected to speak with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said Sheinbaum, adding she has been in communication with U.S. Commerce Secretary-designate Howard Lutnick.