Press Release
Mexico City on May 31, 2018 

MEXICO WILL IMPOSE EQUIVALENT MEASURES ON VARIOUS PRODUCTS IN RESPONSE TO THE US PROTECTIONIST MEASURES ON STEEL AND ALUMINUM.

Mexico deeply regrets and disapproves the decision of the United States to impose these tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from Mexico as of June 1, on national security grounds.

Mexico has repeatedly stated that these types of measures under the veil of national security are unjustified. Steel and aluminum are inputs that contribute to the competitiveness of several strategic and highly integrated sectors in North America, such as autos, aerospace, electric and electronics, among others. Mexico is the largest market for US aluminum and the second importer of US steel. Mexico reiterates its position against protectionist measures that distort international merchandise trade.

In response to the decision of the United States to impose tariffs, Mexico will adopt equivalent measures on a variety of products, including flat steel (hot and cold foil, including coated and tubes and pipes), lamps, pork legs and shoulders, sausages and food preparations, apples, grapes, cranberries, various cheeses, and others products, up to an amount comparable to damage caused by the United States’ action.

 This measure will be in force for as long as the US government maintains the imposed tariffs.  Mexico reiterates its openness to a constructive dialogue with the US, its commitment to the international trade system, and its rejection of unilateral protectionist measures.