On March 9, 2025, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, held a major assembly at noon at the Zócalo of Mexico City, addressing the country's response to recent actions taken by the United States concerning trade tariffs. This event was part of her commitment to promote national unity amid external pressures.
Originally, Sheinbaum had announced on March 4, 2025, her plans to inform the public about the tariff and non-tariff actions Mexico would take following the U.S. government's decision to impose a hefty 25% tariff on Mexican exports. This announcement came as tensions escalated due to trade negotiations and U.S. President Donald Trump's purported unilateral measures against Mexico. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Sheinbaum remarked, "El domingo vamos a hacer un festival, voy a explicar lo que estamos haciendo..." emphasizing the importance of national unity.
Fortunately for exporters, Trump announced just days later, on March 6, 2025, to great relief, no tariffs would be imposed on goods under the T-MEC trade agreement until April 2, 2025. This was seen as both a truce of sorts and also strategically aimed at protecting U.S. manufacturers and farmers. Many products from Mexico, which constitute over half of the exports under T-MEC, benefitted from this temporary reprieve.
The rally saw not just political discourse, but was also shaped to be celebratory, akin to a festival. Many attendees, dressed predominantly in white and waving Mexican flags, flooded the Zócalo to show both support and solidarity against U.S. tariff threats. The event featured multiple musical performances from groups such as the Orquesta Monumental de los PILARES, Banda Femenil Regional Mujeres del Viento Florido, and others, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her federation’s role to effectively defend Mexico’s sovereignty against external pressures. “It's time to defend Mexico and its sovereignty,” she urged, reflecting on the nation's resilience and collective strength. This rally was positioned as both response and celebration, giving Mexicans a platform to unite their voices against perceived foreign economic aggression.
Transportation across central Mexico City was significantly impacted, as several roads were closed off including Avenida Plaza de la República and Avenida Juárez, making accessibility to the rally potentially challenging and requiring alternative routes. The Secretary of Citizen Security announced pauses on Metro Line 2 at stations such as Allende and Zócalo during the event to accommodate the influx of supporters heading to the Zócalo.
The rally commenced at 12:00 after Sheinbaum's proposals to work collaboratively with the U.S. on issues including migration and the illegal trafficking of goods across the border came to the forefront. She noted how the talks had historically been beneficial exercising mutual interest, stating, "Nuestra relación ha sido muy buena y estamos trabajando duro, juntos, en la frontera..." reflecting the positives of diplomacy.
While the backdrop of this event was serious, celebrating the unity of the Mexican people was the underlying theme of Sheinbaum’s message, turning the experience of confronting economic challenges on its head. The assembly not only addressed present economic threats but also leaned on cultural ties to reinforce national pride and resilience.
Perhaps most critically, the assembly and its proceedings show how Mexico plans to navigate the tumultuous waters of international trade agreements, asserting sovereignty as fundamental to national identity. The very essence of the assembly was not merely announcements of tariffs but of fostering community among Mexican citizens amid the external pressures they face.
Sheinbaum promised attendees comprehensive updates on tariff agreements with the U.S., signaling transparency as another key component of her administration's approach. With shared goals for both trade and effective immigration control becoming urgent, the assembly became more than just about tariffs but about solidarity among the citizens of Mexico as the repercussions of international decisions unfolded.
Looking forward, Sheinbaum's government has positioned itself to adapt to changes, signaling plans to adjust operational strategies depending on international negotiations stemming from their counterparts across the border. This assembly exemplifies not only how challenges can effect change but how they can mobilize citizens toward unity and collective action.
Today at the Zócalo, under the gaze of iconic landmarks and the historic backdrop of their capital, the citizens echoed their mandates for national sovereignty and resilience, reaffirming their identity even amid concurrent threats.