Mexican President: No Coercion Against China
Americas - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denied that her country is imposing mandatory punitive measures on China. Under pressure from the United States, Mexico will impose a maximum 50% import tariff on cars, steel, and textile products from countries such as China. Sheinbaum also said that she will hold talks with Beijing next week.
President Sheinbaum again emphasized that "these measures are not coercive measures and are not targeted at China... especially not at any country." The president insisted that Mexico hopes to "continue maintaining good relations with China."
President Sheinbaum also stated that "the goal is to strengthen domestic production," the president added, and pointed out that the bill involves goods from about 20 industries and countries in Mexico that have not yet signed free trade agreements with it. "Our exports to these countries are very small."
According to the Mexican government, China is the largest supplier to Mexico that has not signed a trade agreement, and this tariff increase will have a significant impact on it, especially in the automotive industry, as this Asian giant occupies 30% of the light vehicle market in Mexico.
After China, other major countries that export Chinese products to Mexico without having signed a trade agreement are South Korea, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, and Turkey.
President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum announced in March that her government would reassess the tariffs on Chinese products.
AFP reported that the Mexican president made these remarks in response to pressure from US President Trump - including threats of customs retaliation - to ensure that Mexico does not become a backdoor for Chinese goods to enter the United States.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843135131577356/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.