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Public statements from top officials in Mexico and Brazil in recent days show how the two governments are preparing for the potential victory of former U.S. President Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5.
Mexico ranked at the top of a “Trump Risk Index,” which was released by the Economist in July. In just one policy area, Trump’s threats to crack down on imports of products made by Chinese firms in Mexico stand to hurt trade with the country.
Mexico’s economy secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, was unusually open about the issue last month, saying that amid U.S.-China economic tensions, Mexico aimed to “mobilize all legitimate interests in favor of North America.” Separately, Mexico’s deputy trade minister told the Wall Street Journal that Mexico aims to reduce its dependence on imports from China.
Although Trump has not made similarly explicit threats toward Brazil, his track record of pressuring Latin American countries to limit ties to Beijing might have been behind a top Brazilian foreign-policy advisor’s comments last week that Brazil will pass on China’s invitation to join the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stayed demure about the election, saying Monday that she will wait for the results before commenting. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was not as diplomatic. He told a French TV station last week that he was “rooting for Kamala.” Lula’s political nemesis, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, posted a video on X endorsing Trump on Sunday.
This post is part of FP’s live coverage with global updates and analysis throughout the U.S. election. Follow along here.