Sheinbaum: U.S. 50% Tariffs Lack Legal Basis

Sheinbaum: US 50% tariffs lack legal justification

Steel and aluminum at the center of a trade dispute

Trump imposes new tariffs on Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected the increase in US tariffs on steel and aluminum, calling the measure legally baseless.

She argues that the jump from 25% to 50% in customs duties violates the current trade agreement between both nations.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum questioned the justification given by the Trump administration, which cited national security concerns.

She pointed out the contradiction between that claim and recent statements from the White House praising bilateral cooperation on security issues.

Sheinbaum: US 50% Tariffs Lack Legal Basis

Sheinbaum says 50% tariffs on aluminum and steel have “no legal basis” https://t.co/40eenzuzuo
— CNN en Español (@CNNEE), June 4, 2025

The president announced that she would meet with representatives from Mexico’s steel and aluminum industry chambers on Wednesday.

She also revealed that on Friday, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard will meet with his US counterpart, Howard Lutnick, to seek an agreement to halt the tariffs.

Sheinbaum made it clear that if no progress is achieved, her government will take retaliatory steps to protect jobs and the national industry.

She noted that even the previous 25% tariff had already caused difficulties, although efforts were underway to reduce reliance on imports from other regions.

If negotiations fail, Mexico will announce concrete countermeasures next week to mitigate the impact of the new tariff.

International Context

Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by the U.S., calling them “legally unfounded” and harmful to Mexican industry. https://t.co/mieinyuzm1
— Forbes México (@Forbes_Mexico), June 4, 2025

Washington’s decision mainly affects countries such as Mexico, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam, and China.

Trump argued the tariffs are necessary to ensure US national security and to strengthen the domestic steel and aluminum industry, which he claims is still underperforming.

Brussels and Beijing have also expressed disapproval of the measures, calling them protectionist and unilateral.

So reported EFE.

In this latest chapter of trade tensions, Mexico is working to keep diplomatic channels open to avoid further escalation.