Republicans in tight U.S. House races feel heat from 'very specific' Mexican tariffs

BUSINESS

Republicans in tight U.S. House races feel heat from ‘very specific’ Mexican tariffs

Steel rolls are seen at the picking line at the industrial plant in Pesqueria, Nuevo Leon state, Mexico, in 2015. The Mexican secretary of economy said Tuesdday some U.S. products, such as steel, pork meat and apples, will be charged with tariffs in response to those placed by the U.S. on aluminium and even to steel of its NAFTA partners. | TERNIUM INDUSTRIAL CENTER / HO / VIA AFP-JIJI

Reuters

Jun 7, 2018

WASHINGTON/MEXICO, CITY – Mexican tariffs are roiling U.S. congressional campaigns in states where U.S. exporters could take a hit and President Donald Trump’s Republicans face tough races in November congressional elections.

Mexico announced the levies this week in retaliation to Trump’s decision to slap tariffs on metal imports from Mexico and other countries. They fall on only about $3 billion in U.S. exports, but were crafted to have a “very specific” focus on vulnerable Republicans, said one senior Mexican official who asked not to be named.

“We wanted to ensure that the issue is a top priority for key decision makers at the highest level,” said another Mexican official who requested anonymity.