POLITICS

Mexico's Moves if Trump's Threats Turn Real

MexicoThu Jan 09 2025
President-elect Donald Trump has big plans for his second term, and Mexico might feel the heat. Trump wants to send back millions of migrants, hike tariffs, and even use U. S. troops against drug traffickers in Mexico. This could hurt Mexico's economy and society, and infringe on its sovereignty. But Mexico isn't sitting idle. It has options to fight back. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum could stop helping with drugs and immigration, add her own tariffs, and even cozy up to China, the U. S. 's biggest rival. She doesn't want a trade war, but Trump's threats might make it happen. A trade war could make U. S. businesses unhappy, as they've been before when Trump tried to close the border. On the border, Mexico spends a lot to keep things in check. If Trump wants more help, maybe he should pay up. Plus, if he deports millions, Mexico might slow down the process. Mexico and the U. S. have worked together on drugs before, but Trump's ideas could change that. China might gain if U. S. -Mexico relations get worse. China's already a big trading partner for Latin America. A trade war could open more doors for Chinese goods. This could make some U. S. industries mad, even those that backed Trump. So, if Trump follows through, it could cost consumers and businesses, and give China a chance. It might also unite people in the U. S. who care about China's influence.

questions

    Could Mexico demand that the U.S. pay for a border wall... in tequila?
    Is there a secret pact between Mexico and China to undermine U.S. influence in Latin America?
    How might the U.S. business community's opposition to trade disruptions influence Trump's policy decisions?

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