Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador plans to travel to the US border to “defend the dignity of Mexico” in the face of US tariff threats
(Alfredo ESTRELLA)

Mexico City (AFP) – President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Thursday he will travel to the border city of Tijuana on Saturday to “defend the dignity of Mexico” in the face of US tariff threats.

“It is an act of unity to defend the dignity of Mexico and in favor of friendship with the people of the United States,” he said of his plans at his daily morning news conference.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose five percent tariffs on all Mexican imports as of Monday, unless Mexico acts to stem the surge of Central American migrants to the US border.

Negotiators have been meeting in Washington to avert a crisis, but Trump warned late Wednesday “not nearly enough” progress was being made.

The tariffs would be raised by five percent each month until they reach 25 percent, according to Trump, who has brushed off warnings that such a course of action would have major repercussions for both the US and Mexican economy.

Lopez Obrador told reporters “all options” are under review in the event Trump goes through with his threat.

“But our posture is to preserve, above all, the friendship with the people of the United States,” he said.

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.