Mexican President Responds To Ecuador's Tariffs: 'Sinaloa's Shrimp Are Tastier'

It has been a chaotic week for the diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Mexico. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced on Monday the introduction of a 27% tariff on all imported goods from Mexico as part of what he described as efforts to promote fair treatment for his country's companies.

Less than 24 hours since the announcement, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by minimizing the damage the measure could inflict on the country's economy.

Asked about Ecuador's decision, President Sheinbaum said: "Sinaloa's shrimp are tastier than the ones from Ecuador, being honest with you...people in Baja California will be angry."

The president went on to say that after the news broke out she asked officials how many Mexican goods were exported to Ecuador. "I asked yesterday about how much and I think it is about .4 percent...I think with that you get your answer," Sheinbaum added.

The relationship between both Latin American countries has been turbulent in recent months. Last year they broke off diplomatic relations after Noboa ordered a raid on the Mexican embassy to arrest Jorge Glas, a former Ecuadorian vice president accused of corruption in his country.

In a post on X, Noboa said he favors more exchange of goods with other countries, including a potential free trade deal with Mexico, "but not when there is abuse," he added.

Although the Ecuadorian president said he favors a potential free trade deal with Mexico, the decision to implement a 27% tariff comes with the goal to "protect and promote our industry and to demand better treatment for our producers."

According to CNN, Ecuador imported $541 million worth of goods from Mexico in 2023. Mexican government data showed that the main sale of goods was medications consisting of mixed or unmixed products, representing 12.6% of the goods sold.

More than 24 hours after Noboa's announcement, his administration has not clarified when the tariffs will begin to be enforced.

Mexico was also threatened with tariffs from the U.S. but both countries finally reached an agreement to halt them for 30 days while both parties work on a more permanent solution. Sheinbaum announced that her administration is working on sending 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to "prevent drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, particularly fentanyl," as part of the agreement that puts tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on hold for 30 days.

The agreement also includes the U.S. committing to "work to prevent the trafficking of of high-caliber weapons" to Mexico" and for teams from both countries to start working "today" on two matters: security and trade.