US President Donald Trump has imposed 30% tariffs on Mexican imports, sparking tensions with Mexico and potentially igniting a trade war. The move comes after months of negotiations between the two countries aimed at reaching a trade deal that would not devastate Mexico’s export-driven economy.
The tariffs are imposed in response to Mexico’s alleged failure to curb the flow of fentanyl into the US, according to Trump. However, Mexican officials have denied this claim and say they are working to ensure that alternative measures can be put in place before the new tariffs take effect on August 1.
Trump warned Mexico not to retaliate with higher tariffs of its own, saying that any additional tariffs would be added to the 30% rate he announced. The president also pointed to other Mexican policies as contributing to “unsustainable” trade deficits.
This is not Trump’s first attempt at imposing tariffs on Mexico, with similar plans announced in March only to be retracted later. Goods traded under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are currently exempt from tariffs, allowing about 87% of Mexican exports to enter the US tariff-free.
The move has been met with criticism from Mexican officials, who say it is an “unjust” and “unfair” move that does not align with previous agreements. The Mexican economy minister, Marcelo Ebrard, said that the US had told their counterparts at the negotiating table that new tariffs would be announced, and they did not agree with it.
The impact of the new tariffs on trade relations between the two countries remains to be seen, but it is clear that tensions are high.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/12/business/trump-tariffs-mexico.html