They demand a 50% mirror tariff on US steel.

It is essential that the Mexican government be firm in protecting Mexican industry and consider reciprocal measures against the 50% U.S. tariffs on Mexican steel, said the Employers' Confederation of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex).

Similar measures should be sought to ensure a level playing field, especially since U.S. tariffs contradict the free trade spirit of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The Confederation stated that "trade based on clear and fair rules must prevail over protectionist approaches that distort the market. Today more than ever, we need legal certainty, bilateral cooperation, and a common strategy that strengthens our economies in the face of shared challenges."

He explained that the United States has a surplus in steel trade; for example, in 2024, 52% of the steel exported by that country was sent to Mexico.

"The bilateral relationship in steel trade is fundamental for both nations. Data from 2024 indicate that the United States had a surplus of $4 billion and 2.3 million tons of finished products. Seventy-five percent of the steel produced in Mexico is destined for the United States, so this decision compromises thousands of jobs and jeopardizes essential investments for the region's economic development."

They affirmed that they support the Mexican government's efforts, but believe that reciprocal measures are required. At the same time, the government must consider promoting conditions that attract investment to the country. This means a favorable environment to facilitate competitive inputs, guarantee a secure environment, a rule of law, and public policies that encourage the sustained growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

"We reiterate our commitment to defending the rule of law, free enterprise, and international trade that promotes growth with equity. We will not allow the alliance that has brought so many benefits to workers, businesses, and consumers throughout North America to weaken," Coparmex stated.

At the regional level, the business organization, through its president in La Laguna, Jorge Reyes, announced that this is a unilateral act that contradicts the spirit of cooperation of the USMCA and directly threatens the competitiveness of key sectors in our region, such as the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

"It is incomprehensible that national security arguments are invoked to justify a measure that harms the United States' own strategic allies," the report said, noting that last year, 52 percent of the steel exported by that country was destined for Mexico, and approximately 35 percent of its imports came from USMCA partners such as Canada and Mexico.

Far from posing a threat, the interdependence of the two countries' production chains has been a pillar of resilience and economic dynamism in the face of global challenges.

Coparmex Laguna considered it essential to act firmly to protect industries and to consider reciprocal measures that guarantee fair competition. Trade based on clear and fair rules must prevail over protectionist approaches that distort the market.

"Today more than ever, we need legal certainty, bilateral cooperation, and a common strategy to strengthen our economies in the face of shared challenges. At the same time, we believe it is essential to promote conditions that favor investment in Mexico, in order to increase domestic demand and counteract the greatest barriers to exports," it was reported.

It is necessary to create a favorable business environment to reduce dependence on external markets and strengthen national response capacity in the face of global economic uncertainty.