U.S. Court of Appeals Reinstates Tariffs, Creating Uncertainty for Trade with Mexico
A U.S. federal court of appeals has temporarily reinstated the broad tariffs enacted during the Trump administration, overturning a previous ruling by a trade court that had ordered their suspension. This decision keeps import duties in place on a variety of goods from partner countries—including Mexico—while the legal process continues to determine the extent of the U.S. Executive Branch's authority to impose these trade measures.
The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington did not provide detailed reasoning in its ruling, but set deadlines for the parties involved to present their arguments: plaintiffs must do so by June 5, and the U.S. government by June 9. The move comes in response to the International Trade Court’s surprise decision on Wednesday to—provisionally—block the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs. These duties had primarily affected countries like Canada, Mexico, and China, and were linked by the U.S. administration to concerns about the flow of fentanyl precursors and efforts to provide greater protection for domestic industry.
The White House reacted to the trade court’s decision with disapproval, defending the president’s ability to use tariffs as a tool in international negotiations—even though these measures have caused friction with partners such as Mexico. It is worth remembering that during Donald Trump’s presidency, stricter tariffs were part of a strategy to renegotiate key agreements like the USMCA, impacting regional trade dynamics and the planning of integrated value chains, especially in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
For Mexico, tariff tensions with the United States are critically important since, as its main trading partner, any disruptions or added costs to exports have a direct impact on employment-generating and growth-driving industries. Should the tariffs take effect, analysts warn there could be setbacks in the competitiveness of Mexican goods—including agricultural products, automobiles, and manufactured goods—with possible repercussions for investment and value transfers throughout the regional supply chain.
Looking ahead, uncertainty regarding U.S. trade policy adds an additional risk factor for the Mexican economy, especially as North American integration remains a key driver of recovery and development. The progression of the legal case in the U.S. will be closely monitored by both Mexican authorities and productive sectors, as both sides maintain an agenda of dialogue in search of certainty and favorable conditions for bilateral trade.
In summary, the reinstatement of tariffs by the U.S. Court of Appeals reignites a climate of caution for Mexican foreign trade. The legal outcome and the final stance of the U.S. government will determine what adjustments Mexico and its exporters may need to consider in the coming months.
