US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Mexico lacks any essential goods for the United States, claiming that America losses roughly $195 billion from its trade relationship with Mexico.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on September 4, Trump answered questions about his administration’s approach to countries with which the U.S. runs a trade deficit.
He argued that the US would face no significant consequences if it were to halt commerce with Mexico, maintaining that virtually no Mexican product is vital to American consumers.
“They don’t have anything that we really need,” Trump said, specifically singling out “spicy tamales” and tomatoes as the only significant Mexico’s exports.
Despite the statement, the president clarified that he does not intend to sever bilateral trade ties. He also took a moment to highlight his working relationship with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, suggesting that future adjustments to the trade framework remain on the table.
The remarks come as the Trump administration continues to signal its commitment to narrowing the U.S. trade deficit with multiple nations.
