Synopsis
In retaliation to Trump's 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced counter-tariffs on American goods. She also condemned US claims of Mexican government ties to crime, emphasizing the need for cooperation over conflict.Key Takeaways
- Mexico imposes tariffs on US goods.
- Sheinbaum defends against crime allegations.
- Focus on cooperation over conflict is emphasized.
- Mexico's anti-drug efforts yield significant seizures.
- Synthetic opioid crisis linked to US prescriptions.
Mexico City, Feb 2 (NationPress) In retaliation to the decision by former US President Donald Trump to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has declared countermeasures in the form of tariffs on American products, escalating the trade conflict between the two nations.
Sheinbaum dismissed the White House's accusations that her administration has connections to criminal organizations, instead attributing the blame to the US, alleging that American arms dealers are responsible for supplying weapons to these unlawful groups.
"If any alliances exist, they are found within the United States' weapons industry, which provides high-powered firearms to these criminal factions, as confirmed by the US Department of Justice back in January this year," she stated.
Sheinbaum made it clear that Mexico will not tolerate any sort of foreign interference. "We categorically reject the White House's unfounded assertions that the Mexican government is linked to criminal organizations, as well as any attempts to meddle in our national affairs," she proclaimed.
Emphasizing the need for diplomacy, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's inclination towards cooperation rather than conflict.
"We advocate for collaboration between neighboring countries. Our actions must be anchored in shared responsibility, mutual trust, and respect for sovereignty, which is non-negotiable. Coordination, yes; subordination, no," she posted on X.
In response to Trump's claims that Mexico has not effectively managed fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, Sheinbaum pointed out her government's significant anti-drug initiatives.
She revealed that within just four months, Mexican authorities have confiscated over 40 tons of illegal drugs, which includes 20 million doses of fentanyl, and have apprehended more than 10,000 individuals linked to drug cartels.
Sheinbaum criticized US authorities for their insufficient actions regarding the fentanyl epidemic, asserting that the crisis is predominantly a national concern.
"If US agencies genuinely wanted to tackle fentanyl consumption in their country, they should focus on dismantling street-level drug networks, which they neglect, and disrupt the money laundering operations that fund this illicit trade," she commented.
Moreover, Sheinbaum highlighted the involvement of American pharmaceutical companies in exacerbating the opioid crisis, attributing it to regulatory failures.
"The synthetic opioid epidemic in the US is a result of the indiscriminate prescription of such medications, sanctioned by the FDA, as illustrated by legal actions against pharmaceutical corporations," she remarked.
