Mexico rejects US claims of cartel alliances, proposes counter-tariffs

President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed the White House’s claims as “slander” and vowed to defend Mexico’s sovereignty.

“We categorically reject the White House's slander of the Government of Mexico for having alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention to interfere in our territory,” she wrote on X.

Sheinbaum said she instructed the economy secretary to implement “Plan B” -- a set of tariff and non-tariff measures aimed at protecting Mexico’s interests. The move comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday that imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, citing insufficient cooperation in combating drug trafficking. He also imposed a 25% tariff on Canada and 10% on China.

The US earlier, however, warned against retaliation, stating that further duties could be imposed if targeted countries respond.

Sheinbaum also highlighted Mexico’s efforts in combating drug trafficking, including the seizure of more than 40 tons of drugs and the arrest of over 10,000 individuals linked to criminal groups. “Mexico does not want confrontation,” she said, emphasizing the need for collaboration based on “shared responsibility, mutual trust, and respect for sovereignty.”

She proposed a joint working group with the US to address security and public health challenges. “Coordination, yes; subordination, no,” she said.

Sheinbaum said dialogue, not tariffs, is the solution. “It is not by imposing tariffs that problems are solved, but by talking and dialoguing,” she added.