The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, responded this Monday to the question of why Mexico did not impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States.

“If I put retaliation, what I am going to do is hit the industry (established in Mexico), which I do not want to go to the United States. It is like playing on the other side. They would tell me: hey, the goal is over there”, commented Ebrard in an event organized by Coparmex in Mexico City.

Retaliatory tariffs on United States

On March 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports of passenger vehicles, light trucks and certain auto parts. The tariff went into effect on May 3, 2025 and applies to products imported from around the world.

On the other hand, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated that auto parts originating in Mexico and Canada are temporarily exempt, as long as they comply with the USMCA rules of origin. This exemption will apply for at least 90 days or until a process is defined to tax only non-U.S. content.

Trump also ordered the imposition of a 25% tariff on all imports of steel, aluminum and certain derivatives of both metals into the United States beginning March 12, 2025. 

“Why don’t we put a tariff on the steel we import? Because we hit the automotive industry again. Who is the number one importer of the steel and aluminum industry? The automotive industry. What is the objective of this measure? Well, to accelerate their going to the United States,” Ebrard added.