Marcelo Ebrard by Stephania Corpi/Bloomberg
Mexico will ask President Donald Trump’s administration this week to be exempted from an increase in steel tariffs to 50%, the country’s economy minister said June 3.
“It’s not fair and it’s unsustainable. We will present our arguments on Friday to exclude Mexico from this measure,” Marcelo Ebrard said during an event in Mexico City.
Ebrard, who will travel to Washington on June 6 for talks with U.S. officials, said Mexico has a “Plan B” in the event that the heightened levy remains in place.
Trump signed a directive earlier on June 3 raising steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% from 25% starting on June 4, with the aim of helping domestic manufacturers. He said the move was necessary to protect national security.
If confirmed, the new rules will hit the automotive, construction and electronics industries among others, Ebrard added, according to an audio recording shared by his communication team.
