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Front Burner

Trade war: The view from Mexico

Mar 11, 2025
Elías Camhaji, a journalist for El País based in Mexico City, offers deep insights into Mexico's trade dynamics with the U.S. He discusses the parallels and distinctions between Canada and Mexico in dealing with American tariffs. The conversation dives into how these tariffs impact Mexico's strategies against drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, and the role of the National Guard along the border. Camhaji also highlights the shift from initial panic to resilience among Mexicans as they navigate their evolving relationship with the U.S.
24:38

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The pause in U.S. tariffs has created temporary relief in Mexico, significantly impacting President Sheinbaum's approval ratings and fostering a sense of nationalism.
  • Despite aggressive measures against fentanyl trafficking, skepticism remains about Mexico's ability to fully address the drug crisis amid U.S. pressures.

Deep dives

Tariff Negotiations and Their Impact

The recent pause in tariffs imposed by the U.S. government has led to a mix of relief and uncertainty within Mexico. This temporary halt allowed President Claudia Sheinbaum to hold a celebratory rally, illustrating a momentary victory for the nation amid ongoing tensions. However, the looming threat of tariffs being reinstated creates anxiety among citizens and officials as they anticipate potential repercussions for both the economy and public sentiment. The Mexican government is keenly aware of its precarious position, given that 80% of its exports go to the U.S., making any escalation in trade tensions significantly impactful.

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