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Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico over migrant caravans

The threat, which has no set deadline or legal basis stated, adds pressure to stalled U.S.-Mexico trade talks over tariffs on exports.

Photo: The Rio Times

What happened

President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on November 12, 2026, that tariffs on Mexico would be immediately doubled unless Mexico stops migrant caravans he said were heading north. WWD+3 Trump gave no deadline for Mexico to act, and Mexican officials did not immediately respond to the post. Transport Topics Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rebutted the threat the same day. WWD About 1,500 mostly Central American migrants left Tapachula in southern Mexico on November 10, and a Honduran caravan is crossing southern Mexico. The Rio Times The post does not say which tariffs would double or under what legal authority. Intelligence Report

Around it

Mexico is seeking relief from 10 percent tariffs on products not covered by the USMCA, 25 percent tariffs on certain trucks, and 50 percent duties on steel and aluminum. WWD A Supreme Court ruling earlier this year curtailed Trump's tariff powers, and the U.S. declined to renew the USMCA after a joint review in July. Transport Topics+1 Sheinbaum said no migrant caravan has reached the northern border since Trump returned to office in January 2025, and she ruled out using force against the groups. Intelligence Report U.S. goods imports from Mexico reached US$534.3 billion in 2025. The Rio Times

What comes next

Trade negotiations between the two countries remain at an impasse, and no deal has been announced. Transport Topics+1

Sources

  1. WWDMexican Leader Pushes Back on Trump’s Threat to Double Duties Over Migrant Caravan Claim
  2. Transport TopicsTrump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico over migrants
  3. The Rio TimesTrump Threatens to Double Mexico Tariffs
  4. Intelligence ReportTrump Tariffs on Mexico: Caravan Threat Explained

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