The imposition of a 25 percent tariff on cars manufactured outside the United States increases the price of vehicles, reduces competitiveness and puts thousands of jobs at risk in North America, alerted the employer confederation of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex).
“We cannot allow these decisions to affect trade and productive integration built for decades, Mexico is the main car provider to the US market and is part of a highly integrated supply chain,” said the agency led by Juan José Sierra Álvarez.
In 2024, Mexico exported 3.5 million light vehicles, of which 80 percent went to the United States, according to INEGI data.
Coparmex added that the imposition of taxes will not only impact national exports, but also increase costs for consumers in the United States, which could translate into lower demand and an affectation to the stability of the sector.
The uncertainty generated damages the confidence of investors and hinders the economic growth of both countries, the agency said.
He added that the Government of Mexico must act with determination to defend national interests.
“It is essential to demand compliance with the commitments acquired within the framework of the TMEC and seek mechanisms to counteract the effects derived from these tariffs. We cannot depend on the will of a single country to guarantee the growth of our economy,” he said.
The agency said that it is urgent to strengthen the domestic market and diversify exports to reduce vulnerability to protectionist measures, since the automotive industry is a fundamental pillar of the Mexican economy and its competitiveness cannot be affected by arbitrary decisions.
“We reiterate our commitment to the defense of the companies established in Mexico and with the search for solutions that protect the development of the productive sector,” he said.
He indicated that it is time to strengthen dialogue with commercial partners, explore new alliances and demand a frame of clear rules that prevents the imposition of measures that distort trade.
“The future of Mexico cannot be subject to unilateral decisions that threaten our economy, we will work so that the business sector is prepared and for the government to act with the necessary firmness in the defense of national interests,” he said.
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