Claudia Sheinbaum is getting comfortable in her new digs as Mexico’s newly elected President. She’s doing this in real-time to counteract the challenges created by U.S. tariffs, particularly those that are threatened by the Trump administration. On December 1, 2018, the 62-year-old climate scientist Sheinbaum won a historic election to become Mexico’s first female president. She assumed office in early October 2023 and quickly moved to use her practical orientation to crimp international trade dangers.
Sheinbaum understands the very real threat of 25 percent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. In turn, she has resolved to take a “wait-and-see” approach. Her administration is reportedly deep in talks with U.S. officials, looking to do what they can to address concerns while avoiding a situation that raises tensions further. Yet throughout the campaign, Sheinbaum has largely stayed calm even in the face of incendiary rhetoric from President Trump. All the while, she stays cool under pressure, and her coolness protects her.
Her team has been really hard at work behind the scenes negotiating great terms. Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, has met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick six times in recent months to discuss the tariffs that could significantly impact Mexico’s economy. In 2024, Mexico exported $182.3 billion of automobiles and auto parts to the U.S. This huge trade underlines the importance of these negotiations, deepening the ongoing discussions.
In reaction to the new tariff threats, Sheinbaum has promised a strong rebuttal, with details due on 3 April. She stated, “As I said before, [we have to keep a] cool head on this.” She is clearly dedicated to ensuring that the lines of communication remain open with U.S. officials. Simultaneously, she is preparing to hit back against any unlawful conduct that might occur.
The president’s past tactical moves when Trump made his first tariff declarations have all shown a desire to reassure and keep the status quo. Then, Sheinbaum’s administration had experience in dealing with tariffs on steel and aluminum. They moved quickly and behind the scenes, minimizing economic fallout while preventing further escalation of tensions.
Trump has acknowledged Sheinbaum’s negotiating abilities during a recent phone call, stating, “You’re tough.” This honor highlights the level of respect she’s garnered from her American counterpart. It’s notable, particularly in the context of today’s fraught international trading relations.
Oscar Ocampo, an expert on international negotiations, commented on Sheinbaum’s strategy: “This is something we must recognize about President Claudia Sheinbaum and her negotiating team. What they have achieved is important. Mexico did well not to show its cards prematurely.”
Sheinbaum’s government is lobbying hard to reduce tariffs on certain Mexican-assembled cars and car components. This move fits in with their larger strategy to address the negative economic impacts of U.S. tariffs. Sheinbaum makes it a priority to maintain high levels of frankness with U.S. authorities. By sidestepping these most mediatized of conflicts, she wants to win the continuing stable economic relationship between the two countries.
“We’ll have to wait and see what President Trump says, and from there, we’ll have to decide, one way or another, what decisions we’d make,” she remarked in a recent interview, indicating her readiness to adapt as circumstances evolve.
