The Arizona-Mexico Commission is watching as the specter of tariffs looms over Arizona businesses.
The governor-appointed board is tasked with promoting trade, commerce and relationships with Mexico. That task has taken center stage in the months since President Donald Trump threatened a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada.
The commission’s executive director, Eva Masadiego, said she’s hearing about the results of the uncertainty surrounding tariffs from members, who include Arizona business leaders who rely on trade with Mexico.
“Mexico is Arizona’s number one trading partner. And what that means is we depend on each other’s economy,” Masadiego said.
After delays and on-again-off-again implementation, Trump’s tariffs are set to go into effect on April 2. The 25% fee on goods from Mexico could cool trade and drive up prices of things from produce to cars and trucks for consumers in Arizona.
