Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Friday that Mexico expects to reach trade understandings with the United States that are comparable to those being negotiated between Washington and Ottawa.
Ebrard’s remarks follow the Trump administration’s decision in July not to extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for a fresh 16-year term, leaving the pact in force through 2036 but subject to annual reviews. The development has intensified separate but politically linked negotiations between the U.S. and its two North American partners.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has indicated that Washington aims to finalize interim arrangements with Mexico and Canada this year, with a focus on resolving contentious issues such as automotive rules of origin, labor standards, and environmental regulations. Greer has set a 2027 target for addressing more complex disputes, while broader talks remain tied to the 2026 review of USMCA.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump paused 50% of planned tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, a move seen as a confidence-building measure ahead of negotiations. The U.S.-Canada talks are centered on avoiding new Section 338 tariffs and addressing bilateral trade disputes, including U.S. concerns over Canada’s dairy quota system, provincial alcohol sales restrictions, and retaliatory duties on U.S.-built autos and steel. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described recent progress as "substantial," though he cautioned that key challenges remain.
Mexico is pursuing its own parallel track with the U.S., with Ebrard highlighting constructive discussions on steel, aluminum, and efforts to reduce dependence on Asian imports by boosting North American production. He noted that Mexico would need to review the final terms of any U.S.-Canada arrangement before making a full assessment of its implications.
