Mexico hits back at Trump's 30pct tariff threat, vows to protect trade ties
Mexico was informed of the new duties – which Trump said would come into effect by August 1 – during talks in the United States on Friday.
"We mentioned at the table that it was an unfair deal and that we did not agree," the Mexican economy and foreign ministries said in a joint statement.
Mexico is already in negotiations seeking an alternative to tariffs that would protect businesses and jobs on both sides of the border, the ministries added, saying they hope to avoid the duties.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, whom Trump often refers to favourably, expressed confidence Saturday that a deal would be reached.
"We are going to reach an agreement with the US government," Sheinbaum said during a public event hours after Trump's social media post announcing the elevated tariffs.
She said the talks in Washington would allow Mexico to be in a "better position" by August 1.
Mexico is one of the countries most vulnerable to the US leader's tariffs, with 80 per cent of its exports destined for its northern neighbour, which is also its largest trading partner.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
24 minutes ago
- The Sun
Trump says Coca-Cola to switch to cane sugar in US
WASHINGTON: Beverage giant Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its US production, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday on social media. The company currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its domestic beverages -- a sweetener that has long drawn criticism from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again movement. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them -- You'll see. It's just better!' The US president did not explain what motivated his push for the change, which would not impact his well-known favorite beverage, Diet Coke. Since his return to the White House, Trump has re-installed a special button in the Oval Office which summons a helping of the sugar-free carbonated drink. Coca-Cola did not immediately confirm the ingredient shift. 'We appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm for our iconic Coca?Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca?Cola product range will be shared soon,' the company said in a short statement. HFCS became popular in the 1970s, with its use skyrocketing thanks to government subsidies for corn growers and high import tariffs on cane sugar. Any shift away from corn is likely to draw backlash in the Corn Belt, a Midwestern region that has been a stronghold of support for Trump. Both HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) are composed of fructose and glucose. However, they differ structurally: HFCS contains free (unbonded) fructose and glucose in varying ratios -- 55/45 in soft drinks -- while sucrose consists of the two sugars chemically bonded together. These structural differences, however, don't appear to significantly affect health outcomes. A 2022 review of clinical studies found no meaningful differences between HFCS and sucrose in terms of weight gain or heart health. The only notable distinction was an increase in a marker of inflammation in people consuming HFCS. Overall, both sweeteners appear similarly impactful when consumed at equal calorie levels. Despite this, Mexican Coke -- which is made with cane sugar -- is often sold at a premium in US stores and prized for its more 'natural' flavor. Trump's prized Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame -- a compound classified as a 'possible carcinogen' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - AFP
The Sun
24 minutes ago
- The Sun
Reshaping Global Lubricant Supply Chains: Trump-Era Tariffs Driving Industry Pivot Toward Asia
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - With the global lubricants industry still adjusting to the lasting impact of U.S. trade policy enacted during the first presidential term of U.S. President Donald Trump, supply chains are undergoing dramatic shifts—and Asia is solidifying its role as the sector's global hub. While the U.S. tariffs primarily targeted a broad range of Chinese industrial chemicals under Section 301, some specialty additives used in lubricant formulations were affected. In response, U.S. manufacturers have faced increased costs, sourcing uncertainties, and production delays, prompting a re-evaluation of procurement strategies. These disruptions have had ripple effects across the automotive, industrial, and specialty lubricant markets worldwide. Strategic Realignment: From the West to the East As regulatory complexity and economic uncertainty mount in the U.S. and European markets, many lubricant producers, OEMs, and blenders are redirecting investment and operational focus toward Asia. The region already accounts for the world's largest share of lubricant demand and continues to post some of the fastest growth, driven by expanding industrialization and vehicle ownership. Asia's strong manufacturing base, growing consumer markets, and expanding infrastructure for lubricant production make it an attractive destination for global expansion. Companies are deepening their presence in countries such as China, India, Malaysia, and Singapore—tapping into local production advantages, aligning with regional OEMs, and building supply chain resilience. The Asian Lubricant Exhibition 2025: Spotlighting the Industry's Transformation The challenges—and potential advantages—of this strategic global shift will take center stage at the Asian Lubricant Exhibition 2025, held September 9–11 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403, Level 4. As Asia's only dedicated trade show focused on the lubricants value chain, the event provides a timely platform for addressing trade disruptions, supply chain realignment, and emerging opportunities across the region. The exhibition and exhibitor presentations are open to the public, free of charge. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to be eligible for door prizes and exclusive onsite offers. Co-hosted by the Asian Lubricants Industry Association (ALIA) and F&L Asia Ltd., the three-day event brings together global players navigating today's volatile landscape—from base oil producers and additive specialists to blending, packaging, quality and compliance services, logistics, and end-user service providers. With over 60% of booths already sold, and exhibitors including ExxonMobil, Chevron Oronite, CPC Corporation, Kangtai Lubricant Additives, Kemipex, Patech, Huntsman, Master Fluid, Axel Christiernsson, Metal-Chemie, ML Lubrication, Songwon, Vanderbilt, BRB, Hyrax Oil, and Universal Analytical, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to showcase solutions that address the current challenges of global trade volatility—especially those tied to tariffs and regulatory pressures. Highlights Include: Exhibitor Presentations spotlighting supply chain innovations Training and networking events such as the Base Oil 101 Training Course and the ALIA Anniversary Dinner Executive Briefings on market forecasts and trade realignment The ALIA Sustainability Session on future-ready lubricant strategies J oin the Conversation on Supply Chain Transformation Whether you're a supplier, OEM, blender, technology provider, or logistics expert, this is the moment to engage with Asia's lubricant leaders and align your strategy with where the market is headed. For booth bookings, program details, and registration, visit: Let's shape the future of lubricants—together in Singapore.
New Straits Times
38 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Trump derails California's US$4bil high-speed rail project
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the Transportation Department is rescinding US$4 billion in US government funding for California's High-Speed Rail project. The department said there was no viable path forward for California's High-Speed Rail project and it was considering potentially clawing back additional funding related to the project. The Federal Railroad Administration issued a 315-page report last month citing missed deadlines, budget shortfalls and questionable ridership projections. One key issue cited is that California had not identified US$7 billion in additional funding needed to build an initial 171-mile segment between Merced and Bakersfield, California. The California High-Speed Rail System is a planned two-phase 800-mile (1,287 km) system with speeds of up to 220 miles per hour that aims to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim, and in the second phase, extend north to Sacramento and south to San Diego. The California High-Speed Rail Authority said previously it strongly disagrees with the administration's conclusions "which are misguided and do not reflect the substantial progress made to deliver high-speed rail in California." It noted California Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal before the legislature extends at least US$1 billion per year in funding for the next 20 years "providing the necessary resources to complete the project's initial operating segment." The authority noted in May there is active civil construction along 119 miles in the state's Central Valley. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said "Newsom and California's high-speed rail boondoggle are the definition of government incompetence and possibly corruption." Newsom responded on social media: "Won't be taking advice from the guy who can't keep planes in the sky." Voters approved US$10 billion for the project in 2008, but the costs have risen sharply. The Transportation Department under former President Joe Biden awarded the project about $4 billion. The entire San Francisco-to-Los Angeles project was initially supposed to be completed by 2020 for US$33 billion, but has now jumped from US$89 billion to US$128 billion. In 2021, Biden restored a US$929 million grant for California's high-speed rail that Trump had revoked in 2019 after the Republican president called the project a "disaster."
