Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum gives update on Trump auto and steel tariff deal

Mexico City, Mexico - has not yet reached an agreement with US President to avoid tariffs on its automobile and steel exports, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday, although talks reportedly continue.

Mexico has not yet reached an agreement with US President Donald Trump to avoid tariffs on its automobile and steel exports, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday, although talks reportedly continue. © ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP

Mexico's economy, the second-largest in Latin America, is considered one of the most vulnerable to because the US buys around 80% of its exports.

"No agreement has been reached yet, but there is communication," Sheinbaum, who spoke with Trump by telephone last Wednesday, said at her morning news conference.

Sheinbaum described her conversation with Trump as "very productive" and said that the two leaders would continue talking to .

Trump this month left Mexico off facing his "reciprocal tariffs," but its carmakers as well as steel and aluminum exporters still face duties.

Sheinbaum said that Mexico had proposed zero tariffs on steel and aluminum exports that meet the requirements of its free trade agreement with the US and Canada.

She said her government had made the case that "the United States exports more steel and aluminum to Mexico than Mexico exports to the United States."

Claudia Sheinbaum reveló que la semana pasada habló con Donald Trump sobre los aranceles al acero, aluminio y la industria automotriz. Aunque no llegaron a acuerdos, dijo que el diálogo continúa abierto.#Sheinbaum #Trump #Aranceles #Economía #MéxicoEEUU pic.twitter.com/oSXr6jnLvL

— ATiempo.Tv (@ATiempoTv) April 21, 2025

Sheinbaum declined to give details about her proposal for the key automotive sector, which by Trump's decision to slap 25% levies on foreign-made imported vehicles.