Specialized In Import Tariffs, Mexico Thanks To The US

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum thanked Donald Trump because her country was privileged of import rates to the United States. (Sky News)

JAKARTA - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed his gratitude after his country was excluded from US President Donald Trump's import tariff list, citing his government's good relations with the Trump administration.

In a press conference, Thursday (3/4), Sheinbaum praised Trump's good treatment of Mexico, which avoided a comprehensive tariff of 10 percent Trump imposed on several Latin American countries.

"As you know, this event is planned in connection with what might have happened yesterday during a presentation made by the President of the United States regarding the new trade framework proposed for the whole world," he said in front of thousands of supporters and top government officials.

"Luckily, and thanks to the strong relationship we have built with the United States government through coordination and collaboration, something very important happened yesterday: recognition of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, which is very crucial at this time," he added, as reported by Antara.

However, a White House official familiar with the matter told Anadolu that Canada and Mexico were not charged at the new tariff as they had previously faced sanctions from Trump to pressure them into taking greater action against migration and illegal fentanyl flows across the US border.

The official noted that if the current tariff is terminated or suspended based on their actions, it will be subject to a tariff from the new regime.

Even so, Sheinbaum still praised Trump for his preferential treatment of Mexico.

"We must always appreciate the willingness of the President of the United States to engage in dialogue with respect to our country. We are neighbors, and we have a responsibility to work together and coordinate," he said.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on exports from the country with the largest economy in Latin America, prompting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the Brazilian government to seek countermeasures.

"Given the United States' decision to impose additional tariffs on Brazilian products, we will take all appropriate measures to defend our companies and workers, by using the Economic Revenue Act approved yesterday by the National Congress and by referring to the guidelines of the World Trade Organization," said Lula.

The Brazilian Congress is passing a bill that allows the president to launch a retaliatory trade action against the country or economic bloc that seeks to harm Brazil's competitiveness.

The Economic Revenue and Revenue Act has recently been accelerated by the Senate, and the Low Council is now processing its ratification into law this week.