Here's How U.S. Tariffs Could Affect Mexicans' Pocketbooks

  On Tuesday, the 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, came into force. The measure, considered a drastic action, directly affects the two largest trading partners of the American Union. For those who don't know, Mexico, the United States' main trading ally, sends more than 80 percent of its exports to the U.S. market. Therefore, the imposition of a universal tariff of 25 percent represents a severe blow to its economy, which exports everything from cars to agricultural products such as avocados.

  Faced with this situation, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, called for calm. "We ask for temper, serenity and patience," he declared, and assured that his government has various strategies to face the challenge: "We have plan A, plan B, plan C and plan D." However, it should be noted that the economic impact of these tariffs could significantly affect various Mexican industries, especially those linked to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Among the most vulnerable products and sectors are:

• Automotive industry
• Textiles & Medical Devices
• Agricultural products, such as cereals, fruits, nuts, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cabbage, and avocados
• Processed foods: fruit juices, pickles, sauces, condiments, and baked goods
• Dairy, egg and honey
• Coffee, tea and spices
• Beer and spirits
• Paper products, fertilizers and cotton
• Technology: cars, cell phones and internet

So yes, in each of the things already mentioned, an increase in cost would be reflected.