Mexico’s President rallies national pride after US tariff reprieve

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum gestures during an event to give details on the country's response to U.S. President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico, including retaliatory tariffs to U.S., at Zocalo Square in downtown Mexico City, Mexico March 9, 2025. REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the economic contributions that Mexico and its people made to the US economy.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told supporters in a massive rally on March 9 that dialogue and respect had prevailed in

achieving a pause on US tariffs,

and that the sovereignty of Mexico would always come first.

Ms Sheinbaum, speaking to thousands of people who gathered in Mexico City’s iconic Zocalo square for an event aimed at bolstering national pride, highlighted the economic contributions that Mexico and its people made to the US economy.

“We cannot give up our sovereignty, nor can our people be affected by decisions made by foreign governments or hegemonies. In that case, we will always act immediately,” Ms Sheinbaum said, addressing the plaza packed with thousands of people waving flags and holding signs promoting Mexican pride and independence.

“The common history of our countries is marked by numerous episodes of hostility, but also by numerous episodes of cooperation and understanding,” she added.

US President Donald Trump, who said Mexico and Canada had failed to do enough to stem the flow of the deadly fentanyl opioid and its precursor chemicals into the US,

slapped goods from both countries with 25 per cent tariffs

on March 4.

In a cool-headed approach, Ms Sheinbaum said she would wait to announce countermeasures against the US, including retaliatory tariffs, until the event on March 9.

Two days later, however, Mr Trump said that Mexico would not be required to pay tariffs on any goods that fall under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade deal until April 2 out of “respect” for Ms Sheinbaum, following a phone call between the two leaders.