United States (National Times): In a significant development, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that tariffs on Mexican goods would be paused for one month following an agreement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The decision comes after a meeting aimed at addressing key issues, including fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration.
As part of the agreement, Mexico will deploy 10,000 National Guard soldiers along its northern border to curb drug trafficking and illegal crossings into the United States. In return, the US will suspend the planned 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, including cars, avocados, fruit, and beer, which were set to impact Mexico’s economy heavily.
“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican soldiers on the border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants into our country,” Trump posted on X.
The agreement also includes plans for high-level negotiations involving US Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce, alongside Mexican representatives, to explore solutions to shared challenges in security and trade.
President Sheinbaum confirmed the discussions, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations. “We had a good conversation with President Trump with great respect for our relationship and sovereignty; we reached a series of agreements,” she shared on X.
Mexico’s commitment to bolstering its northern border with additional forces aims to prevent drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, while the US pledged to work on reducing the flow of high-powered weapons into Mexico.
The temporary suspension of tariffs is critical for Mexico, as nearly 80% of its exports are destined for the US market. The proposed 25% tariffs would have had widespread economic repercussions, making the agreement a relief for both countries as they work towards a comprehensive resolution.
Negotiations will continue throughout the month, with hopes of achieving a deal that addresses security and trade concerns while maintaining strong bilateral relations.