WASHINGTON / MEXICO CITY — The United States has granted Mexico a 90‑day reprieve from heightened tariffs originally set to take effect on August 1, 2025, after a phone call between President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Under the agreement, the U.S. will delay new 30% tariffs on most non‑automotive and non‑metal goods covered under the USMCA trade pact—approximately 85% of Mexican exports currently comply with USMCA rules and remain exempt from increased levies. However, existing tariffs remain in force: a 25% levy on general goods and autos and 50% on steel, aluminium, and copper.
Both leaders emphasized that the extension was secured without any concessions by Mexico, and highlighted the aim to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement during the pause period.
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard described the outcome as a major achievement, affirming Mexico’s continued preferential access to the U.S. market.
The reprieve comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader levelling of tariffs across dozens of countries, where escalating duties of 10–50% were imposed amid trade tensions. The extension for Mexico mirrors similar last‑minute deals reached with allies including South Korea, the EU, Japan, and others facing similar consequences.
Analysts note that while the pause provides breathing room to negotiate, the ongoing tariffs continue to strain trade ties. Legal scrutiny surrounding Trump’s invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify sweeping tariffs also continues to mount in U.S. courts.
