Fecha Publicación: 01-02-2025

Statement by the Board of Directors of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI)

Mexico City.- Today’s announcement by the Trump administration of a 25 percent tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada is a deeply troubling development for those of us who have worked diligently to foster a spirit of cooperation and shared prosperity across North America. The economies of our three countries are inextricably linked. When President Trump talks of putting “America First,” it is essential to remember that U.S. prosperity is reinforced, not threatened, by the success of its closest neighbors. If Mexico and Canada falter, it directly undermines American industry, investment, and consumer wellbeing. For decades, our nations have cultivated the world’s most advanced regional partnership. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—negotiated under the first Trump administration— solidified that partnership by enshrining modern labor standards, environmental protections, and mechanisms for dispute resolution. These provisions have already encouraged Mexico to enact historic labor reforms and have safeguarded American producers by ensuring fair market access. Imposing unilateral tariffs runs counter to the spirit and letter of this trade agreement, which provides clear pathways for resolving disputes without resorting to unilateral punitive measures. The sudden imposition of tariffs outside that framework sends a signal of discord, unpredictability, and lawlessness that could deter the very investment and collaboration the USMCA was designed to foster. Moreover, this measure is likely to prove counterproductive to President Trump’s stated goal of strengthening the United States. Raising tariffs on two of America’s largest trading partners will increase costs for U.S. companies that rely on cross-border supply chains, driving up prices for consumers at home. Retaliatory actions from Mexico and Canada would impose additional barriers for American businesses trying to export to these key markets, harming industries such as agriculture and manufacturing that depend on open trade. These frictions risk undermining the forty years of close partnership that have made North America one of the most competitive economic blocs in the world. Beyond economics, the realities of security, migration, and public health demonstrate just how closely intertwined our futures are. The ability to address shared challenges—from combating illicit narcotics and cartel violence to managing labor market needs—depends on an atmosphere of cooperation. Unilateral tariffs erode the trust required for meaningful collaboration. Ultimately, if the United States seeks to remain a leading force in global affairs, it needs stable and prosperous partners, not alienated neighbors. We therefore urge the Trump administration to reconsider this course of action. The three countries should stand ready to engage in dialogue, to leverage the dispute resolution processes spelled out by our existing trade arrangements, and to reinforce our longstanding bonds of mutual respect and friendship. A thriving North American partnership is the surest path toward enduring economic prosperity and security for all. By working together, we ensure that each country’s interests—including those of the United States—are truly advanced.