MEXICO CITY, March 8, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday named a new finance minister to help steer Latin America's second-largest economy through challenges including the threat of sweeping US tariffs.

Edgar Amador, previously a deputy finance minister, will replace Rogelio Ramirez de la O, whom Sheinbaum appointed as her economic advisor for international affairs.

Ramirez de la O, who was named to the post in June 2021, has been given "a very special task" given the importance of Mexico's relations with the United States, Sheinbaum said in a video posted on social media.

The change comes as Mexico seeks to calm investor concerns about US tariffs, which President Donald Trump this week agreed to suspend until April 2 for most Mexican goods.

Amador "is recognized for his expertise in public finance," the political risk consultancy EMPRA wrote in a note to clients.

"However, a key concern is his limited exposure to financial markets -- a critical factor given Mexico's current economic challenges and the need to navigate ongoing fiscal and trade uncertainty," it added.