Mexico sees stable trade relations between the United States and Canada as important to North American economic integration as the three countries navigate ongoing discussions over trade, tariffs and the future of the USMCA.
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said disagreements between Washington and Ottawa do not provide Mexico with a trade advantage and expressed support for an agreement that would allow regional cooperation to continue.
Mexico, he said, remains focused on deeper North American economic integration while pursuing its own trade negotiations with the United States.
The Economy Ministry is preparing for a fourth round of talks, expected in September although a date has yet to be confirmed. Discussions are set to cover economic security as well as labor and environmental issues associated with the USMCA.
At the same time, Mexico is negotiating separately over U.S. tariffs imposed under Section 232, which are being addressed outside the main trade agreement discussions.
A key priority is reducing the 25% tariff affecting certain Mexican vehicle exports. Ebrard said Mexico is seeking a rate below the 15% applied to countries including Japan and South Korea, arguing that Mexican vehicle production incorporates a significant share of U.S.-made components.
Mexico is also seeking relief from the 50% U.S. tariff on steel imports.
According to Ebrard, the government’s objective is to maintain competitive trade conditions relative to other U.S. partners while negotiations continue on both tracks.
Bilateral discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Ebrard is also scheduled to attend a G20 trade ministers’ meeting, where trade and innovation will be among the topics under discussion.
The outcome will be particularly relevant for the automotive, steel and manufacturing industries, whose supply chains remain closely interconnected across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Source: El Financiero
