Navigating Trump’s Tariff Tests—The Mexico Edition

On the one hand, Mexico’s President Sheinbaum has won praise for artfully handling relations with Trump administration, as well as standing out among global leaders for winning a 90-day tariff delay. On the other, more is at stake for Mexico than most countries, given that over 80 percent of its exports are U.S.-bound. And soon it will face a new challenge: a potentially turbulent review process of the trilateral USMCA deal. How will Mexico maneuver the treacherous waters ahead?  We turned to a top expert, Kenneth Smith Ramos, for answers. A partner at Agon and Mexico’s former chief USMCA negotiator, Smith Ramos tells AS/COA’s Carin Zissis, “ In negotiating with the U.S., we're facing a complex three-ring circus where you have, of course, the trade issues, but [also] immigration and fentanyl issues.” As Mexico tries to juggle these demands, he adds, it’s also taking a more protectionist tone with China and other Asian economies.Mexico may be the top trade U.S. partner, but it’s not the only Latin American giant navigating Washington’s new trade paradigm. Don’t miss the second part of this kickoff to the Latin America in Focus season that looks at the politically charged maelstrom facing Brazil. Listen to international trade advisor Welber Barral unpack the diplomatic hurdles upending U.S.-Brazil trade relations.Read about the Trump administration policies in the Americas to keep up on trade, migration, security, and more: www.as-coa.org/trumpLearn about AS/COA’s programming and content on Mexico.The music in the episode and soundtrack for the podcast is “Me gusta soñar,” by the C4 Trio for Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts: musicoftheamericas.orgShare your love for Latin America: Join Americas Society. Becoming a member gives you preferential access to music performances, the art gallery, book events, our magazine Americas Quarterly, and more.  Access other episodes of Latin America in Focus at www.as-coa.org/podcast and send us feedback at [email protected] and subscribe at Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members.Follow us on social media:X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Bluesky: @ascoa.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/