‘There is not going to be submission’ to US in face of trade war: Mexican president

​​​​​​​By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that it is a definitive moment for Mexico and promised that her country would not submit to US interests ahead of a possible trade war with its largest trading partner.

After the US enforced a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican exports on Tuesday, one month after US President Donald Trump put the levies on hold, Mexico announced planned retaliatory measures to protect the interest of Mexico.

Sheinbaum promised kowtow to the US in a decisive decision for the future of Mexico.

"What I can tell you is that this is a very definitive moment for Mexico, depending on what happens these days until Sunday. There is not going to be submission. Mexico is a great country, and Mexicans are brave and resistant. The people of Mexico have a lot of strength, and our economy is doing well, but there is not going to be submission, and if circumstances continue, we will look to Canada and other countries," said Sheinbaum.

She said tariffs would hurt Mexico. Still, it would have a tremendous toll on the US economy and American families in the short term.

Sheinbaum also said she would hold a call with Trump early Thursday to discuss the tariffs, but she asserted that if the US continues with plans to impose the tariffs, Mexico would look for other alternatives, including other commercial partners.

"In the face of the 25% tariffs, if it remains, we also have to make decisions, and they are important decisions for the future of the country. They are not minor -- they are substantive decisions because we have to defend the sovereignty, the independence of Mexico and if necessary we will look for other commercial partners, all to protect Mexico and Mexicans," she said.

Ahead of the call, Sheinbaum announced a massive rally in Mexico City's main square on Sunday to announce the measures and taxes Mexico would enforce to counter US tariffs.