MEXICO CITY (AP) — On Sunday, a large crowd gathered in Mexico City’s main plaza to celebrate a recent decision by the United States. President Claudia Sheinbaum joined tens of thousands of people in expressing gratitude for the U.S. postponing tariffs on several Mexican goods.
With large Mexican flags waving, the crowd chanted, “Mexico is to be respected!” in support of Sheinbaum. She responded with optimism, saying, “Fortunately, dialogue and respect have prevailed.”
This celebration followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to delay a 25% tariff on many Mexican imports for a month. He noted improvements in Mexico’s efforts to address drug smuggling and illegal immigration.
Instead of announcing any retaliatory measures, Sheinbaum chose to celebrate. Despite ongoing threats from Trump, she expressed hope that tariffs would not be imposed and pledged to remain calm in their dealings.
Roberto González, a 68-year-old computer scientist, held a sign that read “we are united Mexicans.” He emphasized the importance of unity in facing powerful nations like the U.S.
Mariana Rivera, a 40-year-old social activist, joined in the cheer, holding a massive Mexican flag. She believed deeply that “the president will overcome everything,” despite the challenges looming over the country.
Analysts, however, caution that this celebration may not ease the prevailing uncertainty affecting investments and the economy. Political scientist Javier Rosiles Salas noted that the event seems aimed more at bolstering Sheinbaum’s image and internal support in light of Trump’s rhetoric.
Salas pointed out that although a conflict with Trump could hurt the economy, it has paradoxically boosted Sheinbaum’s popularity, which stands at over 60% just five months into her term. Still, there are concerns that her support may dwindle if economic conditions worsen due to ongoing tensions with the U.S.
The outlook from economists is not very bright. Many agree that if tariffs are imposed, Mexico could see its GDP shrink by over 1%. Samuel Ortiz Velásquez, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, noted that the current climate of uncertainty is detrimental to the country.
Following discussions with Canadian and Mexican officials, Trump decided to pause tariffs until April 2 on products included in a trilateral trade agreement. Earlier in February, he had also delayed tariffs after Sheinbaum promised to send 10,000 national guards to the northern border to curb drug trafficking.
Despite these agreements, the fate of the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum remains undecided, adding to the uncertainty for Mexico.
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Source linkMexico, Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City, Roberto Gonzalez, Mexico government, International trade, United States government, General news, Latin America, United States, Global trade, World news, Business, Javier Rosiles Salas, Politics, Mariana Rivera, Samuel Ortiz Velsquez
