Trump’s political theatre might end up costing the average American more than just expensive avocados. This week, Mexican officials kicked off trade talks with the EU to revamp an agreement left untouched since 2013. Unsure of what Trump is cooking in terms of foreign policy these days, both parties have been keen on “accelerating” trade talks to ensure a win-win situation.
As Mexico continues to feel the less-than-veiled threats coming from the White House to use tariffs against Mexican imports and to withdraw from NAFTA, Mexico refuses to be an unrequited partner in international trade. Mexico may be able to use these trade advantages as Brazil and Argentina look to shed protectionist policies for free trade.
Having struck a deal with the European Union, Mexico might prove to be a formidable trade player if it is strategic enough to find areas where it complements – instead of competes with – willing partners. Between 2005 and 2015, annual trade flows between the EU and Mexico doubled to $56 billion, according to EU officials and data. Surely Mexico will use these figures to reel in interested partners and host a bad hombre party that Trump will surely not be invited to.
Cartoon credit: Emad Hajjaj, Jordan, Caglecartoons.com
