By Jaen Madrid. Peninsula 360 Press.
A “very friendly” call, as Trump described it. On February 3, 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, reached an understanding with U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily lift for a month the tariffs of 25 percent that his administration was poised to slap on Mexican imports.
The negotiation marked a diplomatic achievement that prevented a negative economic impact for both nations. Reactions from international leaders, business executives, and analysts were swift, praising the Mexican president’s ability to handle the crisis with “strategy and composure.”
The first woman to govern Mexico, leveraging her scientific precision, demonstrated firm and calculated leadership in her first major international challenge, positioning Mexico as a key player in global diplomacy.
One of the first to react was German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who highlighted the intelligence and calm with which Sheinbaum approached the situation: “I consider the Mexican president to be a very intelligent politician who has acted with composure.”
Lila Abed, director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, also emphasized Sheinbaum’s strategy in addressing the trade conflict: “She has been cautious and strategic. Her approach has been well received both in Mexico and abroad.” She added, “She's been taking actions within her government to send a clear signal to the United States that it understands that fentanyl and organized crime are a top priority for the Trump administration”.
In Mexico, the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), led by Francisco Cervantes, expressed its support for the president, noting that her strategy of “dialogue with firmness” was key to reaching a beneficial agreement.
Representing the voice of 13 top business organizations, which together include over 2,000 associations, Cervantes reiterated absolute support for the president in dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation with Mexico’s trade partners.
During a meeting at the National Palace, President Claudia Sheinbaum called on the business sector to maintain coordination to strengthen the “Mexico Plan” and boost the country’s development.
Carlos Slim Domit, president of Grupo Carso, along with other business leaders such as Raúl Martínez Ostos (Barclays Mexico) and Rafael Zaga Saba (Canaintex), agreed that Sheinbaum’s approach was effective and demonstrated strong negotiation skills.
Meanwhile, Mexican businessman Claudio X. González Laporte (Kimberly-Clark.) emphasized the importance of unity in times of uncertainty and assured that, although the Trump administration is unpredictable, “Mexico will come out on top.”
Problems That Seemed Insurmountable, Until a Mexican Woman Took Charge
In a country where female leadership has been underestimated for decades, the role of women in decision-making is becoming increasingly decisive. Altagracia Gómez, Coordinator of the Regional Economic Development Advisory Council, highlighted this reflection. Her words not only acknowledged Sheinbaum’s work but also reflected a reality shared by many women in Mexico: the daily burden of making possible what others consider “impossible.”
“Yesterday’s feat should serve as a reminder that, beyond our professions and occupations, Mexican women have as our vocation the ability to perform miracles and specialize in achieving the so-called impossible.” “Dr. Sheinbaum is a leader because, in the face of adversity, she represented us with dignity and decency. She called for unity, convened dialogue, and resolved issues with responsibility and efficiency.”
International media outlets such as El País also joined in the recognition, dedicating an article to the Mexican president, stating that “Sheinbaum has emerged victorious from the first round with Trump, displaying a very different approach compared to Petro or Trudeau.”
Sheinbaum’s Message: Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable
Following the agreement, Sheinbaum called on the business sector to strengthen the “Plan México” emphasizing the importance of unity and the country’s economic development. She affirmed that, during her conversation with Trump, she maintained that “Mexico’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation,” reaffirming her commitment to national interests and ensuring that, even in collaboration, each country’s right to make decisions must align with its political, economic, and social realities.
With this agreement, Sheinbaum has successfully navigated a key initial challenge in the relationship with Mexico’s main trading partner without compromising fundamental principles. Now, the country has the opportunity to solidify its role as a leader in solving shared challenges, thanks to a historic strategy rooted in dignity and the interests of Mexicans, positioning Mexico at the center of global attention.
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