Southern Mexican Trade Council Sees Positive in 90-Day Tariff Delay by Trump, Warns of Ongoing Economic Damage

Web Editor

August 5, 2025

Background on Key Figures and Relevance

The Consejo Mexicano de Comercio Exterior región sur (Comce Sur) represents the Mexican states of Puebla, Tlaxcala, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. Guillermo Malpica Soto, a council member responsible for investment promotion in these regions, has expressed concerns about the economic impact of tariffs imposed by the United States.

Donald Trump, former President of the United States, announced a 90-day delay on tariffs targeting Mexican imports. This move is seen as a strategy to secure agreements with other countries, ultimately pressuring Mexico and Canada, the partners in the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

Key Points and Actions

  • Positive View on Tariff Delay: Comce Sur and Víctor Gabriel Chedraui, Secretary of Economic Development and Labor (Sedetra) in Puebla, view the 90-day tariff delay positively as it provides more time for negotiations.
  • Ongoing Economic Concerns: Malpica Soto highlights that the 25% tariff on automobiles and 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum continue to harm the Mexican economy.
  • Strategic Approach by Trump: Malpica Soto believes that the tariff delay is a tactic by Trump to finalize agreements with other countries, ultimately putting pressure on Mexico and Canada in the USMCA negotiations.
  • Importance of Dialogue: Chedraui emphasizes the significance of communication between Mexico and the United States to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: Who is Guillermo Malpica Soto and what role does he play?
    A: Guillermo Malpica Soto is a council member of Comce Sur, responsible for investment promotion in the southern Mexican states of Puebla, Tlaxcala, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.
  • Q: What is the significance of the 90-day tariff delay announced by Donald Trump?
    A: The 90-day tariff delay is viewed as a strategy by Trump to secure agreements with other countries, ultimately pressuring Mexico and Canada in the USMCA negotiations.
  • Q: How do Mexican officials view the ongoing tariffs on automobiles, steel, and aluminum?
    A: Mexican officials, including Guillermo Malpica Soto, express concern that these tariffs continue to harm the Mexican economy.
  • Q: What is the importance of dialogue between Mexico and the United States, according to Víctor Gabriel Chedraui?
    A: Chedraui emphasizes the significance of communication between Mexico and the United States to reach mutually beneficial agreements regarding trade.

Context and Impact

The Southern Mexican Trade Council’s positive response to the 90-day tariff delay comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the postponement of tariffs targeting Mexican imports. This move is perceived as a strategic approach to secure agreements with other countries, ultimately pressuring Mexico and Canada—partners in the USMCA.

Guillermo Malpica Soto, a council member representing the southern Mexican states, acknowledges that while the tariff delay is a positive development, it does not negate the ongoing economic damage caused by existing tariffs on automobiles (25%), steel, and aluminum (50%). Malpica Soto believes that the tariffs continue to harm the Mexican economy and emphasizes the need for sustained government efforts to resolve this situation.

Víctor Gabriel Chedraui, Secretary of Economic Development and Labor (Sedetra) in Puebla, echoes the positive sentiment regarding the tariff delay. He stresses the importance of dialogue between Mexico and the United States to achieve mutually beneficial agreements. Chedraui highlights that while international turbulences may impact the economy, fostering local consumption and exports remains crucial.

The United States holds significant importance for Puebla, both as an export destination and a domestic market. The federal Secretary of Economy identifies the United States, Germany, Canada, and China as the primary export destinations for Puebla’s products, accounting for 93% of total exports. Various programs are being implemented to strengthen the state’s economic chain and bolster its position in the global market.