Efforts to Avoid 30% Tariffs. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the Mexican government is doing everything possible to prevent the threatened 30% tariffs from the United States. She explained that a team is working in the United States with the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury.
This team has presented a series of proposals linked to Plan México and to reducing the trade deficit, which Sheinbaum noted is a concern for US President Donald Trump. She indicated that the US government is analyzing these proposals and is confident that a good agreement can be reached. Sheinbaum added that it is necessary to wait, but confirmed that if an agreement is not reached, she would hold a call with President Trump next week if it becomes essential.
Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Mexico. President Sheinbaum announced that Mexico is exploring a potential visit from Pope Leo XIV. She detailed that Minister of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez will meet with Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, during his upcoming visit to the country. Sheinbaum noted that one of the topics to be addressed in their meeting will be the possibility of this papal visit to Mexico.
Strengthening Mexico-Brazil Relations. President Sheinbaum discussed strengthening relations with Brazil during a call on July 23, 2025, with Brazilian President Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva. She noted that this plan to fortify ties between Latin America’s two largest economies has been in development since October 2024. Sheinbaum explained that the goal is not a free trade agreement, but rather a partnership to complement both economies through cooperation, investment, and technical support for development.
She detailed several areas for this enhanced partnership, including commercial matters, scientific and educational cooperation, collaboration in ethanol production, and joint work between Mexico’s Federal Commission of Sanitary Risks Protection (COFEPRIS) and Brazil’s sanitary agency. As a next step, Sheinbaum announced that a delegation from Brazil, which will include the Vice President, ministers, and business leaders, will visit Mexico to meet with her and the cabinet on Aug. 26 or 27, 2025.