On February 3, 2025, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, signed an executive order that imposes a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico, a measure that will enter into force on February 4. This decision, justified by the Trump administration as a response to drug trafficking and irregular immigration, affects 80% of Mexican exports, with a significant impact on key sectors such as the automotive industry.
According to data from the Ministry of Economy of Mexico, in 2023 the country exported more than 430,000 million dollars, the automotive industry being the most vulnerable to this measure, since it represents more than a quarter of Mexican exports to the United States. Parts and accessories of motor vehicles, together with assembled passenger vehicles, added more than 70,000 million dollars in 2023.
Experts expect that, if the tariff is maintained throughout the year, Mexican shipments could be reduced by 12%, severely affecting Mexico’s GDP. Despite diplomatic efforts to avoid these measures, the Trump administration proceeded with the imposition of tariffs, which could trigger an inflationary spiral harmful to both countries.
Bilateral relations between Mexico and the United States are at a critical point, and the economic consequences of this decision are yet to be seen.