New Tariffs for Mexico Until Immigration Problem is Resolved

(Patria) – US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will impose 5% tariffs on the import of all goods from Mexico to compel the country's government to take concrete steps to prevent migration from Central America.

Trump also announced via Twitter that the percentage would gradually increase 'until the illegal immigration problem is resolved'.

He accused the Mexican government of not doing enough regarding the growing wave of migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala seeking asylum in the US.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador responded to Trump with a lengthy letter in which he stated, among other things, that 'social problems are not solved by taxes and coercive measures'.

If positive progress is not made, 5% could become 10% in July, 15% in August, 20% in September, and 25% in October.

A White House statement said that the tariffs would remain at 25% if Mexico does not stop the illegal flow of foreigners through its territory.