Mexico pledges action should U.S. talks fail by August tariff deadline

by Reuters Jul 15, 2025

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday said Mexico will take action if an agreement with Washington regarding new tariffs is not reached by the August 1 deadline set by her U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.

Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico starting on August 1, claiming the United States' top trading partner had not done enough to stop drug cartels.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a press conference, as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Saturday to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1, in Mexico City, Mexico July 14, 2025. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

"We hope to reach an agreement ... if an agreement is not reached on August 1, we will be informing of other actions," said Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum also said she hoped to announce measures next week in conjunction with tomato producers related to Washington's announcement on Monday that it will begin charging a duty of about 17% on imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico.

"We think we can reach a deal. But we have to prepare for every scenario ... We have to have alternatives," Sheibaum said.