Mexico Avoids Tariffs by Promising Border Security Measures
In June 2019, Mexico successfully negotiated a deal with the United States to avoid the implementation of President Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexican goods. The agreement was reached after intense negotiations, with Mexico agreeing to take significant steps to enhance border security and curb illegal immigration into the United States. While this deal provided temporary relief for Mexican exporters and the economy as a whole, there are concerns about Mexico’s ability to fulfill its promises in the long term.
The threat of tariffs was looming large over Mexico’s economy, as the country heavily relies on exports to the United States. In 2018, Mexico exported over $346 billion worth of goods to the U.S., making it one of the country’s largest trading partners. The proposed tariffs would have had a devastating impact on Mexican industries, particularly the automotive, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors.
To avoid the tariffs, Mexico agreed to deploy its National Guard to its southern border with Guatemala to crack down on illegal immigration. The country also pledged to expand the Migrant Protection Protocols, which require asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in the U.S. Additionally, Mexico agreed to work with the United States to dismantle human smuggling and trafficking organizations operating within its borders.
While these promises helped Mexico dodge the immediate threat of tariffs, there are doubts about the country’s ability to effectively implement these measures. Mexico has a long history of struggling with corruption, inefficiency, and inadequate resources within its law enforcement agencies. The deployment of the National Guard to the southern border is a massive undertaking that requires significant coordination and resources. There are concerns about whether Mexico has the capacity to sustain this level of enforcement over the long term.
Furthermore, the expansion of the Migrant Protection Protocols raises humanitarian concerns, as it could lead to overcrowding and unsafe conditions for asylum seekers waiting in Mexico. Human rights organizations have criticized this policy for putting vulnerable individuals at risk and undermining their right to seek asylum in the U.S.
Despite these challenges, Mexico has shown some progress in addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. The Mexican government has pledged to invest in development projects in the region to create economic opportunities and improve living conditions, with the goal of reducing the need for people to migrate in search of a better life.
In the long term, Mexico’s ability to fulfill its promises on border security will depend on its commitment to addressing the underlying issues driving migration, as well as its capacity to implement effective enforcement measures. The success of the agreement will also hinge on continued cooperation between Mexico and the United States, as both countries have a shared interest in managing the flow of migrants and ensuring the security of their borders.
Overall, while Mexico has managed to avoid immediate economic repercussions from President Trump’s threatened tariffs, the country faces significant challenges in fulfilling its promises on border security. The success of the agreement will require sustained efforts from both Mexico and the United States to address the complex issues surrounding migration and security in the region. Only time will tell if Mexico can live up to its commitments and maintain a positive relationship with its northern neighbor.