It’s a pain to play this game

tariff threats, narco extraditions & selena tribute

Author

Rocio Lucero
February 28, 2025

Happy Friday!

Today, we’re diving into Trump’s latest tariff threats, the high-stakes talks to stop them, and how Sheinbaum is juggling trade tensions, security deals, and sovereignty concerns.

If you would like to support CDMX iykyk, you can always fuel my caffeine habit with a US $5 coffee.

Let’s do it. 

TOP NEWS

A young Danna Paola

Trump’s Tariff Standoff: Mexico Responds, Sheinbaum Gains Ground

The Trump administration is set to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian exports starting March 4, citing migration, drug trafficking, and trade imbalances. A previous delay followed Mexico’s deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border. Now, with the deadline fast approaching, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard is in Washington leading negotiations to prevent the tariffs from taking effect.

Tell me more.

President Claudia Sheinbaum is backing Ebrard’s efforts to secure a resolution, prioritizing Mexico’s economic stability. She reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to the USMCA trade deal and hinted at potential tariffs on Chinese imports to reinforce North American trade. Meanwhile, Mexico’s recent ban on genetically modified (GM) corn—ruled a USMCA violation in December—adds another layer of tension.

Despite trade tensions, Mexico continues security cooperation with the U.S. Unarmed U.S. drones have long assisted in tracking cartel movements and fentanyl labs, aiding in arrests like Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla emphasized that these flights are part of a longstanding agreement, not a recent Trump directive. Sheinbaum has reiterated Mexico’s commitment to collaboration while defending its sovereignty.

Let’s unpack this.

In what many see as a historical diplomatic concession, Mexico recently extradited 28 high-profile drug traffickers to the U.S. While officials haven’t directly linked the move to tariff negotiations, the timing suggests an effort to show cooperation on security without conceding to Trump’s demands for military involvement.

Despite economic uncertainty, Sheinbaum’s approval rating has climbed to 80%, with her firm stance against U.S. pressure earning strong domestic support. A recent poll ranked her handling of Trump’s threats as her most significant achievement to date. Even The Wall Street Journal has noted that her negotiation strategy is drawing international attention.

What does this mean?

If the tariffs take effect, Mexico and Canada may retaliate, U.S. inflation could rise, and the USMCA’s stability will be tested. But Sheinbaum remains firm. Whether this ends in a last-minute deal or a trade standoff, one thing is clear: Mexico isn’t backing down.

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For the uninitiated, this Paquita la del Barrio song is the perfect introduction to her signature heartbreak, or despecho, anthems.

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