Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced significant advancements this Friday towards a potential Mexico US trade agreement. This positive update followed her recent telephone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The leaders discussed ongoing commercial issues, signaling progress in crucial bilateral negotiations.
Speaking from Guanajuato during her morning press conference, President Sheinbaum chose not to reveal specific details of their discussion. She emphasized, however, that the possibility of a trade agreement between Mexico and the United States is “advancing well.” The call, she noted, was “a very good call,” and some agreements were reached. These agreements, however, are not yet final.
President Sheinbaum also confirmed that she and Trump maintain regular contact. These interactions, she explained, often remain unpublicized as trade negotiations progress. Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco and Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard also participated in the recent call. Moreover, this interaction occurred just before a new round of trade talks between Mexico and the U.S., scheduled for September 28 and 29 in Washington.
Several key issues remain on the table. These include U.S. tariffs imposed on Mexican steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Additionally, discussions cover rules of origin and efforts to strengthen North American production chains. Previously, the third bilateral meeting in July in Mexico City showed some progress. Specifically, both governments reported advancements on steel, aluminum, and strategic sectors, alongside import substitution from Asia.
Washington has also pressed for stricter rules concerning the origin of technological products. The U.S. particularly wants to tighten requirements for goods manufactured in Mexico using components from outside North America, especially China. Meanwhile, President Sheinbaum advocates for the continuation of the USMCA (T-MEC) agreement. She has, however, firmly stated that Mexico will not accept any commitments detrimental to its sovereignty or economic interests. Furthermore, she has called on Washington to reduce existing tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminum, and autos, highlighting Mexico’s priorities in the ongoing Mexico US trade discussions.
