Trump threatens to double Mexico tariffs over alleged migrant influx

President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that he would immediately double tariffs on Mexican imports unless Mexico stops migrant caravans heading towards the U.S. border, potentially disrupting North American trade and supply chains. The threat was made in a Truth Social post, amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Mexico City over trade matters, including possible tariff reductions.

"They will not be accepted!" Trump declared. "MEXICO MUST STOP THEM, NOW, and if they do not do so, the Tariffs on Mexico will be IMMEDIATELY DOUBLED." The president informed Mexican authorities, Texas’ newly elected governor, and U.S. immigration enforcement agencies of his stance, but did not specify the exact tariffs that would be doubled or when the new duties would take effect.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum refuted Trump's claims during her daily news conference, stating that Mexico has successfully prevented migrant caravans from reaching the U.S. border since Trump's inauguration in January 2025. Sheinbaum noted that while two caravans are currently traveling through southern Mexico, authorities are managing the situation by providing information and humanitarian assistance rather than allowing the caravans to cross the border.

Current U.S. tariffs on Mexican imports range from 25% for most goods not covered by the USMCA agreement to 50% on steel and aluminum. The threatened tariff increase adds uncertainty to an already complex tariff landscape for U.S.-Mexico trade, potentially impacting sectors such as automotive, industrial equipment, electronics, and metals that rely heavily on cross-border supply chains.