US pauses tariffs on Mexico following agreement on border security

Sheinbaum confirmed the development on social media platform X, stating that the agreement was reached after a phone conversation with Trump. “They are pausing tariffs for one month from now,” she wrote in Spanish, detailing the discussion.

In return, Mexico has pledged to strengthen security along its northern border by deploying 10,000 National Guard personnel to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration. Sheinbaum also highlighted that the US had committed to curbing the smuggling of high-powered firearms into Mexico.

Trump echoed Sheinbaum’s statements in a post on Truth Social, saying, “I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States.” He further stated, “We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one-month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level Representatives of Mexico.”

The pause in tariffs follows Trump’s recent announcement imposing duties of 25 per cent on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. The move had prompted strong reactions, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticising the decision and announcing retaliatory measures. Mexico, too, had warned of countermeasures.

The economic implications of the tariffs had sparked concerns among analysts, given that Mexico exports nearly 83 per cent of its goods to the US, accounting for over $800 billion in annual trade. The Mexican peso had also plummeted to its lowest level against the US dollar in three years.

The agreement provides both nations an opportunity to engage in diplomatic negotiations. “We had a good conversation with President Trump with great respect for our relationship and sovereignty; we reached a series of agreements,” Sheinbaum wrote on X. The upcoming talks are expected to focus on trade policies, border security, and measures to curb organised crime.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (RKS)