MEXICO CITY — A massive gathering filled Mexico City’s central plaza on Sunday as citizens came together to celebrate President Claudia Sheinbaum in the wake of the U.S. postponing tariffs on a range of Mexican products.
The plaza resounded with the shouts of people waving large Mexican flags and proclaiming, “Mexico is to be respected!” in support of Sheinbaum’s leadership.
Sheinbaum addressed the lively crowd, stating, “Fortunately, dialogue and respect have prevailed.”
This celebration followed the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay a planned 25% tariff on numerous imports from Mexico for one month, acknowledging Sheinbaum’s efforts against drug smuggling and illegal immigration.
Instead of announcing retaliatory actions on Sunday, Sheinbaum opted for a grand celebration.
Despite ongoing threats, the president expressed optimism, saying she believed the tariffs would not be applied and vowed to maintain composure when engaging with Trump.
Among those supporting Sheinbaum was Roberto González, a 68-year-old computer scientist, who held a sign declaring, “we are united Mexicans.”
González emphasized the importance of national unity as the only means for Mexico to stand up to what he called “one of the largest powers in the world.”
Mariana Rivera, a 40-year-old social activist, was also present, proudly waving an enormous Mexican flag.
Amidst challenges, she voiced confidence in Sheinbaum’s ability to overcome obstacles.
Analysts suggest the celebratory event may not ease the economic uncertainties facing Mexico, but it strengthens Sheinbaum’s domestic support against Trump’s influencing rhetoric.
Political scientist and academic Javier Rosiles Salas remarked that the event seemed directed more at domestic politics, with Sheinbaum aiming to bolster her image and leadership.
Rosiles Salas commented that despite concerns about economic repercussions from potential tariffs with America —Mexico’s main trade partner and the destination of over 80% of its exports— the clash with Trump has thus far been advantageous for Sheinbaum, securing her over 60% popular support merely five months into her term.
Though currently enjoying strong backing, there is uncertainty about whether Sheinbaum’s political support might wane if tensions with the U.S. adversely affect Mexico’s economy.
For now, forecasts by specialists and ratings agencies offer little optimism.
Analysts widely concur that general tariffs could lead to a contraction exceeding 1% of Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product.
Prolonged uncertainty poses a challenge for Mexico, according to Samuel Ortiz Velásquez, an economist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Following conversations with Mexican and Canadian counterparts, Trump recently announced a pause in the tariffs on products under the trilateral trade agreement until April 2.
However, previous suspension of tariffs in February after Sheinbaum’s commitment to deploying 10,000 national guards to curb drug trafficking does not resolve the indeterminacy surrounding the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, originally set to begin March 12.
