Gov. Ducey Alone Among Border Leaders In Support For Mexico Tariffs

By Holliday Moore
Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services
Published: Friday, June 7, 2019 - 9:08am
Updated: Friday, June 7, 2019 - 9:18am

The governor of Mexico's northern state of Sonora has decided to part ways with Gov. Doug Ducey over the Trump Administration's impending tariffs.

Sonora Gov. Claudia Pavlovich posted her position in a video on social media shortly after Mexico's leader Andres Lopez Obrador accused President Trump of using taxes and coercion to solve social problems.

Trump has threatened to impose a five percent tariff as early as next week on Mexico imports and a full 25 percent tariff if the country does not meet his demands for curbing illegal immigration.

Until now, Ducey and Pavlovich have had strong trade relations, especially related to the car manufacturing industry. However, under White House's duress, the Sonora governor has chosen to part ways and remain loyal to Mexico.

"There are a lot of national interests — investment, employment — that are in play," said Pavlovich.

Arizona is the biggest Mexico trade partner in the U.S., she pointed out, "and because of that, there are many voices that have spoken very strongly in favor of the commerce with our nation."

That includes Democrat and Republican governors in other border states. Ducey has gradually become the lone border state governor siding with the president, saying he wants to focus on the border and public safety over commerce.

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