Mexico seeks preferential treatment on US tariffs [Video]

Mexico said Thursday that it wanted preferential treatment if US President Donald Trump goes ahead with steep car tariffs, vowing a “comprehensive response” to Washington’s duties.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said that tariffs were contrary to a North American free trade deal that has led to a booming auto industry in Mexico, which is home to many foreign-owned car plants.

“Of course, there should be no tariffs within the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement. That is the essence of the trade agreement,” she told a news conference.

Trump on Wednesday announced a 25 percent tariff on all cars that are not made in the United States, part of a broad-ranging trade war against partners and competitors alike that he says is aimed at addressing “unfair” practices.

“If we are moving to a system of such high tariffs, what we have to look for is preferential treatment for Mexico,” Mexican Economy Minister …