Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexicos-sheinbaum-lays-out-roadmap-make-country-an-economic-powerhouse-2025-01-13/
The Mexican government has unfolded a plan that aims to deter Chinese imports. This plan was made in response to past and future American President Donald Trump’s comments alleging Mexico to be a back door to Chinese goods entering America. When presenting this plan to the Mexican people, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also made an effort to defend the USMC trade agreement, saying it was the only way to combat China’s trade empire. Mexico has also cracked down on contraband goods entering their country and imposed tariffs that target companies such as Shein and Temu. Sheinbaum has laid out a list of economic policies that she claims will help put Mexico into the top 10 of the World’s economies (they currently sit at 12) in an effort to grow her country and become a more prosperous nation.
This article describes Mexico’s relations with the US and with China. Essentially, Mexico is trying to loosen its ties to China and tighten them to America. Mexico’s motivation behind doing this is to not be tariffed by America, as Donald Trump has been threatening. But, I really like the Mexican president Sheinbaum and believe she will be very good for Mexico. Her economic policies may lead them to becoming a global superpower and I hope that the US would lean further into our partnership with Mexico. Although, I don’t see that actually happening. The US has been focusing more and more on domestic issues and also Trump has already threatened tariffs on Mexico, making it a big possibility. I also worry that Mexico’s efforts to loosen their ties to China will lead to them being “punished” by China, but in what way I do not know.
The article references a trade agreement. That agreement is called USMC, which stands for United States Mexico Canada. The trade agreement allows for better and more cohesive trade between the two countries. Mexico may be looking through the lens of liberalism because of their desire to strengthen US ties through mutual benefits and support trade agreements. The US is looking through the lens of realism. They are focusing on themself, and not worrying about what’s best within the global arena. They are the top dog, and therefore can tariff Mexico however they want. They don’t need to preserve relationships between other countries because they are the strongest country.