Washington DC, June 6: Representatives from Mexico and the United States have failed to reach a deal over an issue of immigration during high-level delegation negotiations held at the White House, ahead of initiation of the imposition of US tariffs on all Mexican goods exports.
According to ANI news reports, US President Donald Trump, shortly after concluding the meeting, took it to Twitter and said “not nearly enough” progress has been made in talks, reiterating the tariffs would begin to levy “as per schedule” on Monday, in case no agreement is reached.
In a tweet, the US president said, “Immigration discussions at the White House with representatives of Mexico have ended for the day. Progress is being made, but not nearly enough! Border arrests for May are at 133,000 because of Mexico & the Democrats in Congress refusing to budge on immigration reform. Further…”
….talks with Mexico will resume tomorrow with the understanding that, if no agreement is reached, Tariffs at the 5% level will begin on Monday, with monthly increases as per schedule. The higher the Tariffs go, the higher the number of companies that will move back to the USA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2019
The Mexican officials sought to convince the White House in last-ditch talks hosted by US vice president Mike Pence that their government has done enough to avoid looming tariff threats and stem immigration.
US authorities have on last Thursday threatened to impose fresh tariffs on its neighbour Mexico if the nation does not step up its enforcement move and take steps to halt the illegal immigration.
The White House statement stated Trump would be carrying out his threats on Mexico under the authorities from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and that he would lift tariffs only if the “illegal migration crisis is alleviated through effective actions taken by Mexico”.
The US president further cautioned if Mexico didn’t adhere to Trump’s demand then the US tariffs would rise up to 10 percent of Mexico good imports by July, up to 15 percent by August, 20 percent by September and would reach 25 percent by October.
Moreover, Mexico also vowed to give an “energetic response” to Trump’s announcement of a 5 percent tariffs hikes on the Mexican goods.
Also read:
- Trump threatens to impose 5% US tariffs on Mexican exports if no Mexican enforcement action at border
- Mexico vows ‘energetic response’ to US’ Trump tariff hikes plan: Deputy FM Seade
- US-Mexico foreign ministers to hold meet, resolve trade tariff issue: FM Marcelo Ebrard
- Mexican officials seek to avert US tariffs during last-ditch talks with VP Mike Pence