A combination of tact and tenacity is credited for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's successful dealings with US counterpart Donald Trump, most recently convincing him to delay a sky-high import tariff meant to come into effect Friday.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that she secured a pause on new tariffs coming into effect and a 90-day period to work on a trade deal in a call with U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump and his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum plan to speak by phone on Thursday morning, according to people familiar with the plans, as a Friday deadline to avoid a 30% tariff nears with no agreement between the US and its largest trade partner.