The Mexican president reported that in the call she had with Donald Trump last Wednesday, April 16, she explained that, although no definitive agreements were reached, solid arguments were presented in defense of Mexican industry.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that in her call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 16, the imposition of tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminum, and automotive exports was discussed.

He explained that, although no definitive agreements were reached, solid arguments were presented in defense of the Mexican industry.

"In the case of steel and aluminum, we argue that we are in deficit; that is, the United States exports more to Mexico than Mexico exports to the United States," he stated. He reiterated that, for products circulating under the USMCA, the zero-tariff system should be maintained, and that only those outside the agreement should be reviewed under the most-favored-nation status, as established by the World Trade Organization.

Regarding the automotive sector, Sheinbaum did not offer further details, but assured that Mexico's position is clear: the defense of its exports and the trade agreement as a key tool for the economic development of the three countries.

SEWAGE

Sheinbaum Pardo reported that the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena, is in San Diego to meet with the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The meeting will focus on the discharge of wastewater from Tijuana into the Pacific Ocean.

The president stated that Mexico is days away from completing the treatment plant in San Antonio de los Buenos, which will significantly reduce pollution into the Pacific.

"There's one part missing that the United States has to do," he clarified, explaining that this project was the result of an agreement between Presidents Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Joe Biden, along with the state governments involved.

"They may be campaigning, but Mexico should not be the focus of any political campaign by any politician in the United States," he said after explaining that a U.S. senator had used the issue as an electoral banner.

The Mexican president also mentioned other bilateral issues such as tomatoes, the Tijuana River, and compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty. She announced that a meeting of technical groups will take place this Wednesday to determine how much water is available in the Rio Grande.