Background on Miguel Ángel Landeros and His Relevance
Miguel Ángel Landeros, the president of the Consejo Mexicano de Comercio Exterior (COMCE) in the western region of Mexico, is a prominent figure in the trade sector. His organization represents various businesses and industries that rely heavily on exports to the United States and Canada. Given his position, Landeros’s opinions carry significant weight among Western Mexico’s exporters and are closely monitored by industry stakeholders.
Tariff Uncertainty and Its Potential Impact
Since the beginning of 2019, the United States has implemented tariffs on various goods, including steel, aluminum, and copper imports from Mexico. These tariffs have created economic uncertainty for Mexican exporters, particularly in the western region. In response to this ongoing situation, the U.S. granted Mexico a 90-day extension to negotiate changes to the tariffs.
Landeros’s Assessment of the Situation
According to Landeros, this 90-day extension “only prolongs the uncertainty,” making it difficult for businesses to plan effectively. He anticipates that this uncertainty could result in a 12% decline in the region’s exports by year-end.
Existing Tariffs and Their Effects
Landeros highlighted that existing tariffs on steel and aluminum (25%), copper (50%), and previously imposed tariffs on non-T-MEC covered products continue to impact Mexican exports. He emphasized that these tariffs must be approached with caution, as their effects on both businesses and consumers are yet to be fully understood.
A Potential Window of Opportunity
Despite the prevailing uncertainty, Landeros acknowledged that this 90-day period might present an opportunity for better negotiations. He explained that observing the U.S. economy’s behavior during this time could shed light on how tariffs affect American consumers and potentially influence U.S. businesses to exert more pressure on their government.
Call for Strategic Adjustments
Landeros urged the federal government to reassess its current strategy towards the United States, as the existing approach has not yielded desired results. He suggested integrating experienced negotiators who previously participated in the USMCA negotiations and renegotiations to strengthen Mexico’s position in future discussions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation causing concern for Mexican exporters? The ongoing tariff disputes between the U.S. and Mexico, including existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and other goods, have created significant uncertainty for Mexican exporters.
- What is the anticipated impact on Western Mexico’s exports? Miguel Ángel Landeros, president of COMCE Occidente, predicts a 12% decline in exports if the current tariff situation persists.
- How is the 90-day extension affecting the situation? Landeros believes that this extension only prolongs uncertainty, making it challenging for businesses to plan effectively.
- What strategic adjustments does Landeros propose for the federal government? He recommends integrating experienced negotiators and leveraging their connections in the U.S. to strengthen Mexico’s position in future negotiations.
