The tariffs puts some of the biggest brands in Japan, Germany and South Korea in the crosshairs. Imports accounted for about half the U.S. auto market.

Ms Sheinbaum (pictured) won praise at home and abroad for her handling of her mercurial American counterpart. Throughout the confrontation her demeanour was respectful but firm. When Mr Trump ordered tariffs on February 1st, she told her team to prepare countermeasures, but did not publicise the details.