Samsung Electronics is freezing future investments in Mexico and cutting up to 30% of its local workforce due to economic uncertainties partly triggered by President Trump’s tariff policies, a Mexican business leader said.
Roberto Vega Solís, president of Mexico’s Business Confederation in Tijuana, indicated the South Korean company has not officially announced the decision but confirmed the plans to scale back operations. Samsung, which has maintained a manufacturing presence in Mexico for decades, produces television sets at its Tijuana plant.
“It’s very difficult for a business person to make plans when they’re on one day, but everything changes the next,” Vega Solís said, highlighting the challenges faced by companies operating along the border.
The decision affects Samsung’s operations in Tijuana and Querétaro, where it was previously investing millions to produce household appliances including refrigerators. The company’s pullback comes after Trump’s recent implementation of a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports – key materials in refrigerator production.
Additional tariffs on Mexican-made products remain under consideration by the White House and could take effect as soon as April 2, further complicating the business environment for multinational manufacturers with Mexican operations.
