WASHINGTON (AP) Mexico launched a counteroffensive today against the threat of U.S. tariffs, warning not only that it hurt the economies of both countries but also would allow a quarter million more Central Americans to migrate North.
A high-level delegation from the Mexican government held a press conference at the embassy in Washington, making the case against the threat by President Donald Trump of imposing a 5% tariff by June 10.
Trump is in London for a long-planned overseas trip, leaving others to stem a potential trade crisis. Its unclear what more Mexico can do and what will be enough to satisfy the president. Trumps Republican allies warn that tariffs on Mexican imports will hit U.S. consumers and harm the economy.
The president all but taunted negotiators for a quick resolution. Mexico is sending a big delegation to talk about the Border, the president tweeted Sunday. Problem is, theyve been talking for 25 years. We want action, not talk.
But Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard replied today that both countries working together is the best way to do it.
Mexico said it will only go so far to avert the duties, and absolutely ruled out a third safe country agreement that would require asylum seekers to apply for refuge in Mexico first.
There is a clear limit to what we can negotiate, and the limit is Mexican dignity, said Mexicos Ambassador to the United States, Martha Barcena.
Barcena said Mexico has taken steps to offer migrants visas in Mexico, and without Mexicos efforts an additional quarter million migrants could arrive at the U.S. border in 2019.
Mexican Economy Minister Graciela Marquez plans talks with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Delegations led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Relations Secretary Marcelo Ebrard will also meet this week in Washington.
Marquez told reporters her team is assessing potential reprisals in case the diplomatic efforts do not bear fruit this week. We will have to make a strategic plan to take into consideration many elements, she said.
Trump has been here before, issuing high-stakes threats, only to back off come crunch time. But a top White House official warned that the president was deadly serious. Trump is threatening 5% tariffs on Mexican imports starting June 10.
Trump claims Mexico has taken advantage of the United States for decades but that the abuse will end when he slaps tariffs on Mexican imports. His frustration with the flow of migrants is nothing new, but its a subject he often returns to, as he did last week after special counsel Robert Muellers rare public statement on the Trump-Russia report.
