NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump backed off his plan to impose tariffs on all Mexican goods and announced via Twitter on Friday night that the United States had reached an agreement with Mexico to reduce the flow of migrants to the southwestern border.
Mr. Trump tweeted the announcement only hours after returning from Europe and following several days of intense and sometimes difficult negotiations between American and Mexican officials in Washington.
The president’s threat that he would impose potentially crippling tariffs on America’s largest trading partner and one of its closest allies brought both countries to the brink of an economic and diplomatic crisis — only to be yanked back from the precipice nine days later. The threat had rattled companies across North America, including automakers and agricultural firms, which have built supply chains across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Businesses had warned that the tariffs would increase costs for American consumers, who import everything from cucumbers to refrigerators from Mexico, and prompt retaliation from the Mexican government in the form of new trade barriers that would damage the United States economy.
Editor’s Note: Click here to read the full story by reporters Michael D. Shear and Ana Swanson in The New York Times.
Border Reaction
Meanwhile, reaction along the U.S.-Mexico border to the news that tariffs will not be imposed on Mexican imports was positive.
“I am pleased that the Administration and the Mexican government were able to come an agreement,” said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. “I am optimistic that this announcement will bring confidence back to Americans. I will continue to ensure that we maintain our strong partnership with Mexico and ultimately pass the USMCA for the benefit of American workers, consumers, and businesses.”
The Border Trade Alliance released the following statements after the announcement that planned tariffs against Mexico have been suspended indefinitely:
BTA President Ms. Britton Clarke:
“The cross-border trade community is pleased with this outcome. We know that the tariffs would have harmed our economy and would not have had their intended effect of stemming the tide of Central American asylum-seekers at the U.S. southern border.
“We would encourage the administration now to redouble its efforts to work with leaders on Capitol Hill to ensure the passage of the USMCA and continue to cooperate with our neighbor Mexico in confronting the challenges at our shared border.”
BTA Chair Paola Avila:
“While the trade community is satisfied with the result, this was an unfortunate moment in the U.S.-Mexico relationship.
“We are hopeful that we can avoid future threats of self-inflicted economic damage and instead return to a concerted effort to work together to pass the USMCA and pursue immigration policies that benefit both countries.”
Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian will bring more reaction to the news that tariffs will not be imposed on Mexican imports as it comes in.
