In nod to Trump, Mexico vows to import more from US

President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico would boost imports from the United States, at the expense of other countries, in order to reduce the US trade deficit, a pet peeve of her counterpart Donald Trump.

Mexico’s exports to the United States in dollar terms far surpass imports from its neighbour and top trading partner, creating a US$197 billion imbalance in Mexico’s favor last year.

Trump accuses countries with which the United States is running a trade deficit of taking advantage of the world’s biggest economy and has used tariffs to punish them.

The left-wing Sheinbaum noted that Mexico already buys more US goods and services than any other country but promised to do more.

“What we are aiming to do is to buy more from the United States and less from other countries, which will reduce the US trade deficit,” she said.

Her nod to Trump’s grievances over the deficit comes as her government attempts to convince Washington to reduce tariffs on a range of Mexican goods.

The two countries are, with Canada, partners in a free trade agreement that has hung in the balance since Trump returned to the White House last year.

He has launched an all-out trade war with Canada, despite the pact.

While less confrontational with Mexico, Trump has imposed 50% levies on its aluminum and steel as part of global tariffs, and also hit the country’s all-important auto sector.

Last week, Sheinbaum said her government was making progress with Washington on reducing the tariffs.

Economy secretary Marcelo Ebrard will travel to Washington next week to continue the talks.