Tact and persuasion: How Mexico's president negotiated with Trump

Saturday 02 August 2025 - 08:00

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has once again secured a 90-day delay on tariff hikes from her American counterpart, Donald Trump, demonstrating a diplomatic balancing act marked by firmness and restraint. The announcement came after their ninth phone call since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025.

Trump, who had threatened to raise tariffs on Mexican imports to 30%, agreed on Thursday to maintain the current 25% rate for another three months, citing "productive conversations" with Sheinbaum. He praised her as a “wonderful woman,” a notable contrast to his often contentious relationships with other global leaders.

Mexico, the second-largest trading partner of the United States after the European Union, has thus avoided a potentially damaging escalation in trade tensions. The delay pertains to goods not covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

President Sheinbaum, a 63-year-old physicist and longtime left-wing activist, credits her calm and assertive approach. “Keeping a cool head is essential,” she told reporters, adding that while avoiding confrontation, she ensured Mexico’s interests remained clear.

Despite securing this temporary reprieve, not all sectors were spared. Mexico's auto industry still faces a 25% tariff, and steel and aluminum exports remain subject to a 50% levy. Nonetheless, the Mexican government considers the delay a diplomatic success.

Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard praised Sheinbaum’s negotiation style, emphasizing her ability to persuade the U.S. president while standing firm on national priorities. “Her leadership is key,” he said.

In return, Sheinbaum has deployed additional troops along the border, addressing U.S. concerns about drug trafficking and migration. However, she maintains that no concessions were made, emphasizing that talks are ongoing regarding fentanyl trafficking and broader security cooperation.

Still, analysts warn that this delay only prolongs uncertainty. “We’re back where we started,” said a Washington-based trade expert, highlighting fears that the Sheinbaum administration is merely buying time.