Sheinbaum Slams US Tariffs: 'Unjust and Illegal'

Mexico's Sheinbaum Condemns US Tariffs as 'Unjust and Illegal' Mexico City – Claudia Sheinbaum, head of Mexico City's government, strongly criticized the recent decision by the United States to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. In a press conference on June 4th, 2025, Sheinbaum declared the tariffs "injusta e ilegal" (unjust and illegal). She emphasized that the tariffs are not limited to Mexico but affect numerous countries globally. Sheinbaum argued that the tariffs violate existing trade agreements. She stated, "Formalmente se pone un arancel cuando hay un déficit... en nuestro caso importamos más acero." (Formally, a tariff is imposed when there is a deficit... in our case, we import more steel.) This statement highlights Mexico's trade imbalance with the US, suggesting that the tariffs are not based on legitimate trade concerns. The US government has justified the tariffs as necessary for national security. However, Sheinbaum's comments suggest that this justification is insufficient. She pointed to statements from the White House indicating strong collaboration between the US and Mexico, contradicting the rationale for imposing tariffs. Sheinbaum's criticism underscores the potential for significant trade disputes between the US and Mexico. The situation requires close monitoring to assess its impact on bilateral relations and global markets. The ongoing dialogue between both governments is crucial for finding a mutually acceptable solution to this trade conflict.