Trump Says Mexico Has 'Nothing We Need' but Tamales and Tomatoes, Cites $195B Deficit; Sheinbaum Seeks 'Entendimiento'

On September 4, 2026, responding to reporters in the Oval Office about his threat to curb trade with countries running surpluses against the United States, President Trump said Mexico has little of value to offer the U.S. beyond "tamales picantes, tomates, a couple of things... but basically, no tiene nada que nosotros necesitemos," citing a $195 billion annual U.S. trade deficit with Mexico. Trump said he did not intend to cut off trade because he gets along "very well" with President Sheinbaum. Responding from the National Palace, Sheinbaum said Mexico maintains "permanent dialogue" with the U.S. government on commercial matters and expects to reach an "entendimiento," noting the most recent USMCA review round was held in July in Mexico City covering automotive, steel and aluminum tariffs, with USTR Jamieson Greer and Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard agreeing to continue talks in September.