Sheinbaum Condemns US Tariffs / Cancer Program Unveiled

US Tariff Response. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the US decision to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, calling it unilateral and unjustified despite ongoing bilateral cooperation on security and fentanyl trafficking. She stated that White House statements were offensive and unfounded, emphasizing that Mexico has actively combated organized crime, seized large quantities of drugs and weapons, and significantly reduced fentanyl smuggling into the United States.

Sheinbaum highlighted that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data show a 50% decrease in fentanyl seizures from Mexico between October 2024 and January 2025. In the past five months, Mexico has seized nearly 7,000 firearms (75% originating from the United States), dismantled 329 meth labs, and arrested over 13,800 individuals involved in high-impact crimes. These efforts have contributed to a 15% reduction in homicides.

She stated that the tariffs harm both Mexican and US businesses and workers. She emphasized Mexico’s commitment to cooperation, not subordination, and reiterated that the United States must take responsibility for its opioid crisis, which originated from pharmaceutical approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She also pointed out that 80% of fentanyl traffickers arrested at US ports between 2019-2024 were US citizens.

Sheinbaum also announced that Mexico will implement both tariff and non-tariff countermeasures, which will be detailed publicly on Sunday at 12pm. She emphasized that Mexico seeks negotiation, not economic confrontation, and will continue pursuing dialogue to protect its sovereignty and economy.

Upcoming Call with President Trump. Sheinbaum confirmed she has a scheduled call with the US President Donald Trump on Thursday, March 6, to discuss the situation further. She emphasized the importance of maintaining open diplomatic channels and seeking a resolution that protects the economic and security interests of both nations.

New Program for Children with Cancer. Eduardo Clark, Deputy Minister of Health Integration and Development, announced a new economic support program for families with children battling cancer. The initiative will provide a bimonthly financial aid of MX$6,400 (US$307) to the guardians of pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment in the public healthcare system.

The registration process will begin in March, starting with hospitals collecting data on the children, their treatments, and required medications. In April, registration will take place, and financial aid will start being distributed through Banco del Bienestar cards.

Public resources will cover 50% of the costs, equivalent to MX$57 million annually, while private sector initiatives will contribute the remaining 50%.

Additionally, the government has ensured the procurement of pediatric cancer medications through biennial purchases, securing essential treatments such as first-line therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Through the program, 3,000 children with cancer will receive treatment in public hospitals, and 2,700 families will benefit from an additional bimonthly aid. The supply of pediatric cancer medications is guaranteed, said Clark.

Mexico City Metro Modernization. Following service failures in the Mexico City Metro on Monday, March 3, Sheinbaum emphasized the need for urgent maintenance in the system. She highlighted that Line 3 and Line A are among those requiring the most attention. 

“The Metro needs maintenance, especially major rehabilitation for many lines that have been in operation for a long time. Line 3, Line A,” says Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum recalled that during her tenure as Head of Government, her administration fully renovated Line 1, effectively turning it into a new line. However, she acknowledged that some stations have experienced delays due to construction and operational challenges.

“We did it because Line 1 was over 50 years old, and Mexico City experiences ground subsidence in certain areas,” she stated.

She also noted that significant work was carried out on Line 9 and expressed confidence in the efforts of current Head of Government, Clara Brugada, stating that she is doing an excellent job.

USMCA at Risk Due to Trump’s Tariffs. Sheinbaum warned that the USMCA would no longer be valid if President Trump maintains a 25% tariff on Mexican products. “It is a fact — imposing a 25% tariff puts it completely outside the treaty. If the tariffs remain, the USMCA would no longer be in effect,” stated Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum added that the United States still seeks to renegotiate the agreement and stressed the importance of dialogue to address the situation. In response to Trump’s tariffs, Sheinbaum urged Mexican migrants in the United States to take action by writing letters to the US government and Congress to highlight the economic consequences of the tariffs for both countries.

“For now, I believe they can send letters to the US government and their congressmen, explaining how these tariffs negatively impact both the United States and Mexico,” stated Sheinbaum.