06/02/2019
There is a larger narrative missing in the discussion of using tariffs on Mexican goods to stem immigration flows on the border. Any destabilization of the Mexican economy is going to drive more Mexican people to the U.S. and make the problem worse.
As owner of a social enterprise that supports hundreds of artists in Mexico I can say my U.S. business will suffer and tariffs will drive up the prices my customers pay. Sales will decrease, especially if 25% levels arrive in the coming months. Tariffs will impact the ability to buy and support the artists I serve and jeopardize their ability to make a living.
I have seen many times that when economic forces impact the ability of the people I serve to make a living at home they look to the U.S. more often than not out of economic desperation.
We need to continue to support the economic development of these countries so that there is opportunity at home. Tariffs are not the solution and will backfire.
My situation represents a micro view of what is really at stake with our third largest trading partner. Get a much larger idea with data from The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/americas/mexico
U.S.-Mexico Trade FactsU.S. goods and services trade with Mexico totaled an estimated $671.0 billion in 2018. Exports were $299.1 billion; imports were $371.9 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with Mexico was $72.7 billion in 2018.