On the eve of a significant shift in North American trade dynamics, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for "consideration" from the United States after President Donald Trump announced a new 25 percent tariff on imported heavy vehicles, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The move, designed to bolster the U.S. domestic industry, has set off a flurry of diplomatic activity and raised questions about the future of economic cooperation between two of the continent's largest economies.
During her daily press conference on September 29, President Sheinbaum addressed the new U.S. tariffs head-on. "We are already in talks, hoping there will be consideration toward Mexico," she stated, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation. According to Xinhua, Sheinbaum warned that these tariffs could be problematic for both countries, potentially disrupting the closely interwoven manufacturing and supply chains that have defined North American commerce for decades.
The tariffs, announced by President Trump on September 25, are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the U.S. domestic industry, particularly in the automotive and heavy vehicle sectors. The new measures include a 25 percent tariff on imported heavy vehicles, which will be implemented at the start of October. Trump’s plan also maintains steep tariffs on other key industrial imports, with a 50 percent rate on Mexican steel, aluminum, and copper, and a 25 percent tariff on autos or goods that fail to meet the requirements of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
For Mexico, the stakes are high. The country has long relied on its robust manufacturing sector, which is tightly coupled with U.S. demand, especially for vehicles and industrial goods. Sheinbaum was quick to remind both domestic and international audiences of the critical role the USMCA has played in insulating Mexico from the full brunt of U.S. trade protectionism. “Trade ties with the United States continue to be very important and a very significant competitive advantage for Mexico,” she emphasized, highlighting how the zero-tariff provisions of the USMCA have allowed Mexican exports to thrive in sectors not directly targeted by tariffs.
Indeed, under the USMCA, about 85 percent of Mexican exports meet the agreement’s rules, which shield them from the new 25 percent tariff linked to fentanyl-related trade concerns. Sectors that do not include finished vehicles, steel, or copper have particularly benefited from the accord’s zero-tariff regime. This has helped Mexico sidestep the worst effects of previous U.S. tariff hikes, maintaining a steady flow of goods across the border and supporting millions of jobs on both sides.
However, the looming tariffs on heavy vehicles threaten to upend this delicate balance. Heavy vehicles—ranging from commercial trucks to industrial transporters—represent a significant portion of Mexico’s automotive exports. The new 25 percent levy could make these vehicles substantially more expensive for U.S. buyers, potentially reducing demand and forcing Mexican manufacturers to rethink their strategies. The impact could ripple through supply chains, affecting not only large corporations but also smaller suppliers and workers who depend on cross-border trade.
Sheinbaum’s call for "consideration" is more than just diplomatic rhetoric; it reflects the deep interconnectedness of the two economies. Many U.S. automakers rely on Mexican plants for key components or even final assembly, and disruptions could mean higher prices for American consumers and uncertainty for businesses. At the same time, the U.S. administration’s insistence on protecting domestic industries taps into longstanding concerns about manufacturing job losses and economic competitiveness—issues that have played a central role in American political discourse for years.
“We are already in talks, hoping there will be consideration toward Mexico,” Sheinbaum reiterated, signaling that diplomatic channels remain open. According to Xinhua and other outlets, Mexican officials are working behind the scenes to negotiate possible exemptions or adjustments that could mitigate the tariffs’ impact. The USMCA itself, which replaced the older NAFTA agreement, was intended to provide a framework for resolving such disputes. Yet, as recent events have shown, even the most robust trade agreements can be tested by shifting political winds and economic pressures.
Despite the current tensions, Mexico has largely managed to avoid major repercussions from previous U.S. tariff policies, thanks in large part to the USMCA. The agreement, which came into force in July 2020, was designed to modernize North American trade and provide stability for businesses and workers alike. It set new standards for labor, environmental protection, and digital commerce, while preserving the core principle of tariff-free trade for most goods that meet its rules of origin.
Yet, the Trump administration’s latest actions have exposed the limits of these protections. In August 2025, Trump made clear that high tariffs would remain in place for Mexican steel, aluminum, and copper, and that autos or goods not meeting USMCA requirements would continue to face a 25 percent levy. He also announced that Mexico had agreed to remove many of its non-tariff trade barriers, a move intended to further open up the Mexican market to U.S. goods but one that has drawn mixed reactions from Mexican businesses and policymakers.
For many in Mexico, the new tariffs are a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to shifts in U.S. policy. While the USMCA provides some protection, it cannot shield every sector from the fallout of trade disputes or changing political priorities north of the border. At the same time, U.S. officials argue that tough measures are necessary to safeguard American jobs and industries, especially in the face of global competition and concerns over illicit trade flows, including those linked to fentanyl.
As negotiations continue, both sides are keenly aware of the high stakes. The U.S. and Mexico are each other’s largest trading partners, with hundreds of billions of dollars in goods and services flowing across the border every year. Any disruption, even in a single sector, can have far-reaching consequences for businesses, workers, and consumers in both countries.
Looking ahead, much will depend on the outcome of ongoing talks and the willingness of both governments to find common ground. Sheinbaum’s appeal for consideration is a call for pragmatism and cooperation, even as political and economic pressures mount. Whether that spirit prevails in the coming weeks will shape the future of North American trade—and the fortunes of countless people whose livelihoods depend on it.
