Mexico’s Trade Position and Food Sovereignty Plans: Highlights from Friday’s Press Conference

President Claudia Sheinbaum discussed Mexico’s potential benefits from U.S. tariffs, highlighting advantages in trade agreements while emphasizing ethical considerations. Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegué outlined ambitious food production goals and related support programs. Sheinbaum is set to attend the CELAC summit in Honduras briefly, reflecting Mexico’s commitment to regional cooperation.

During her Friday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed whether Mexico stands to benefit from the high “reciprocal tariffs” imposed by the United States. While Sheinbaum affirmed that she does not wish to profit at the expense of other nations, she emphasized that Mexico has favorable conditions. She outlined that Mexico can export most products, except for cars, steel, and aluminum, to the U.S. without tariffs, provided they comply with the USMCA agreement.

Sheinbaum highlighted that even with equivalent tariffs on certain imports, Mexico still benefits from lower transport costs due to geographical proximity to the United States. This, combined with the zero tariffs on numerous goods under the USMCA, puts Mexico in a stronger position compared to other exporting countries. She noted that, “Companies that want to invest in Mexico…have this [beneficial] characteristic.”

Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegué, addressing the ambitious food production targets announced by Sheinbaum, expressed optimism about achieving the outlined goals. The targets include increasing corn production to 25 million tonnes and beans to 1.2 million tonnes by 2030, among other specific production increases in milk and rice. Berdegué underscored that the government has various programs in place to support farmers, including providing quality seeds, fertilizers, and financial assistance.

Sheinbaum also confirmed her attendance at the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Honduras next Wednesday, although she will only be present for approximately two hours. She noted her commitment to both domestic responsibilities and regional cooperation, indicating her willingness to collaborate with fellow leaders. She is scheduled to travel via a Ministry of National Defense plane due to tight scheduling.

In summary, President Sheinbaum’s recent press conference provided insight into Mexico’s trade positioning relative to the U.S. tariffs and the ambitious goals for food sovereignty. She forecasts a beneficial framework for exporting goods, while Minister Berdegué conveyed the government’s strong commitment to achieving significant increases in domestic agricultural production. Sheinbaum’s brief attendance at the CELAC summit further demonstrates Mexico’s intention to maintain regional engagement, despite the constraints of her domestic responsibilities.

Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com