On Children’s Day, President Claudia Sheinbaum focused on Mexico’s trade diversification and economic growth during her Wednesday press conference. She discussed U.S. auto tariffs, bilateral talks with Brazil, and shared tales of childhood heroes, Kalimán and Princess Comet.
In a whirlwind press conference on Día del Niño (Children’s Day), President Claudia Sheinbaum touched on Mexico’s ongoing trade diversification efforts and shared some nostalgia from her childhood. Speaking Wednesday morning, she said her favorite characters were Kalimán, a popular superhero from a radio show, and Princess Comet, a magical protagonist from a vintage Japanese cartoon.
Sheinbaum addressed changes to U.S. auto tariffs, claiming they offer Mexico “an additional comparative advantage.” However, she acknowledged, some products now face tariffs that didn’t exist prior to Donald Trump’s second term decisions. “What Trump decided yesterday benefits us more than what we had the day before yesterday,” Sheinbaum stated, indicating it’s not perfect but still positive for Mexico.
A reporter probed whether Mexico needed to hurry diversifying trade further toward Latin America and Europe to combat Trump’s protectionist views. “We’re also working on that,” she reassured. With a trade agreement with the European Union almost finalized and Brazilian officials scheduled to visit soon, Sheinbaum reiterated the focus on collaborative economic strategies with Brazil.
She emphasized that the discussions would center on complementing each other’s economies, rather than simply substituting Mexican products for Brazilian ones. “It’s about what we can give them that they don’t make and what can they give us that we don’t make,” she explained. The upcoming meet-up aims to explore enhancing investment exchanges between Mexico and Brazil.
Drifting to her recent talks at the CELAC summit in Honduras with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Sheinbaum mentioned that her government is also in discussions with various Asian countries. “There is good communication,” she assured reporters, noting efforts to reduce dependence on imports from Asian nations.
Statistics show that about 80% of Mexico’s export revenue relies on trade with the U.S. This dependence combines with Sheinbaum’s A Plan México initiative, aiming to boost domestic production and economic resilience.
Transitioning to economic performance, she highlighted that the preliminary data indicated a 0.8% growth in the first quarter of this year, defying the naysayers who predicted a downturn. “Everyone said there was gonna be a decline but there is growth,” she insisted, acknowledging the complexities of tariffs and international economic climates.
She further noted a record low in unemployment as of March and stable inflation figures. However, annual headline inflation did inch up slightly to 3.96% in early April from March’s 3.80%.
Returning to her childhood, Sheinbaum reminisced about Kalimán, a 1960s superhero radio drama, and Princess Comet, a magical character from a Japanese series. She joked about her own lack of magic wands but highlighted her own leadership tools—two batons of command, bestowed upon her as part of the ongoing transformation of Mexico initiated by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
In summary, the press conference blended past with present while touching on significant trade initiatives and a stable economic outlook. Sheinbaum seems resolute in strengthening Mexico’s international partnerships, although historical ties to the U.S. remain dominant.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s recent press conference revealed significant insights into Mexico’s trade diversification efforts and economic performance. She discussed the implications of U.S. auto tariffs, emphasized collaboration with Brazil, and acknowledged the country’s reliance on U.S. trading. Additionally, she shared childhood memories reflecting on favorite characters that highlight her personal side amidst the formal discussions. Overall, the address paints a picture of determination in addressing economic challenges and fostering international relationships.
Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com
