Sheinbaum Discusses Trade Diversification and Economic Growth in Press Conference
On Día del Niño, President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized trade diversification and economic growth at her Wednesday press conference. She stated that Mexico’s economy grew by 0.8% and highlighted progress in trade relationships with the European Union and Brazil. She also shared memories of her childhood heroes, Kalimán and Princess Comet, adding a personal touch to the event.
In a lively Wednesday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged both Mexico’s economic growth and the importance of trade diversification on Día del Niño, or Children’s Day. Although the president cheerily reminisced about her childhood heroes, her tone shifted as she discussed the pressing need for Mexico to expand its trade relationships beyond the U.S.
Sheinbaum stated that recent changes to auto tariffs from the United States have provided Mexico with an “additional comparative advantage.” However, she openly noted that the U.S. has imposed new tariffs on some Mexican products that were exempt before former President Donald Trump’s term. “The thing [Trump decided] yesterday benefits us more than what we had the day before yesterday,” she stated, recognizing the improvement but still maintaining that further negotiations are critical.
In response to queries about the urgency of diversifying Mexican trade routes toward Latin America and Europe, Sheinbaum affirmed that her government is making strides in that direction. Notably, she announced that a trade agreement with the European Union is “practically finished,” and Brazil is expected to send officials soon to explore further collaboration.
She elaborated that discussions between Mexico and Brazil will center on mutual economic benefits rather than merely exchanging products. “It’s not about substituting products that are made in Mexico for those from Brazil, but rather what can we give them that they don’t make and what can they give us that we don’t make,” she emphasized.
Additionally, Sheinbaum has turned her focus to Asia, expressing a desire to foster stronger communication with countries from the region while reducing dependency on imports, particularly from China. This aligns with her government’s Plan México, designed to bolster domestic production. Approximately 80% of Mexico’s export revenue is currently linked to trade with the United States, pointing to the pressing need for diversification.
On the economic front, Sheinbaum revealed that the Mexican economy experienced a growth of 0.8% in the first quarter of 2023, defying expectations of recession and decline. “Everyone said that ‘there was going to be a decline’ or that ‘we were going to go into recession’ but there is growth — 0.8%,” she reported, acknowledging the challenging circumstances tied to global economic uncertainty and tariffs. Notably, the unemployment rate in Mexico reached a record low in March, and inflation remained stable in early April.
In a lighter moment, a question about her childhood heroes led to a charming exchange as she named her favorite characters. Kalimán, a beloved Mexican superhero from a vintage radio show, and Princess Comet, a magical character from a Japanese cartoon, were both fond memories for Sheinbaum. “She was a magician, right? So with her magic wand, she changed what needed to be changed,” she recalled, hinting at her own challenges in leadership without any literal magic wand.
Sheinbaum has been tasked with continuing the vision of the “fourth transformation” of Mexico initiated by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as she received two symbolic “batons of command” from AMLO and former Minister Olga Sánchez, representing the aspirations and expectations placed upon her as a leader.
In summary, President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s economic strides and the importance of diversifying trade during her Wednesday press conference. She addressed current economic developments, such as the 0.8% growth of the Mexican economy and record-low unemployment, while also revealing her past inspirations on Children’s Day. Her emphasis on enhancing trade relations with both Brazil and Europe reflects a strategic pivot to reduce reliance on the U.S. market, marking a significant approach to future economic resilience.
Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com
