President Donald Trump has sent an official letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warning that the United States will impose tariffs of up to 30% on Mexican imports starting August 1 if Mexico does not take stronger action to reduce the flow of drugs into the U.S.
The message, delivered this week, underscores mounting trade and security tensions between the two countries. Trump stated that failure to curb drug trafficking would trigger a significant trade response. “If Mexico increases its tariffs on U.S. goods, we will respond in kind,” the letter said.
While the letter did not specify which sectors would be targeted, analysts expect the proposed tariffs to hit key Mexican exports such as automotive parts, electronics, and agricultural goods. Mexican officials have not yet issued a public response.
The warning marks a sharp turn in bilateral rhetoric under the Trump administration, as the White House continues to link trade policy with security cooperation on immigration and narcotics control.
