Mexico and Canada deepen ties ahead of USMCA trade talks with Trump

"Neither partner is going anywhere. Mexico and Canada are committed to renewing and improving the USMCA free trade agreement with the United States in 2026, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, following their meeting this Thursday at the National Palace in Mexico City. Both Sheinbaum and Carney acknowledged that the global shift toward protectionism heralds a complex negotiation, but that the North American region remains highly competitive in the global scene."

"The USMCA will prevail, the Mexican president stated. With the treaty renegotiation on the horizon and Trump in the Oval Office, the question of whether Mexico and Canada will build an alliance to take advantage of the talks with the United States has been cleared up. Obviously, we're going to cooperate directly. The USMCA is the strength of the three countries as a whole, and it contributes to North America's competitiveness."

"It's competitive for all three countries. The best way to compete with other regions of the world is to remain in the USMCA, Sheinbaum added. On Wednesday, the three USMCA partners launched formal consultations on the treaty in their respective countries. Following these consultations, the interests of each member and the sectors in which they will negotiate jointly or bilaterally will be revealed. But there is a risk that the agreement will not come to fruition as long as Trump's threats continue."

Mexico and Canada have committed to renewing and improving the USMCA with the United States in 2026. Leaders Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark Carney met in Mexico City and acknowledged that rising global protectionism will complicate negotiations while emphasizing North America's competitive position. Both leaders affirmed cooperation and described the USMCA as a core strength that can be improved. Formal consultations began in each member country to identify interests and which sectors will be negotiated jointly or bilaterally. Remaining risks include potential derailment if U.S. political threats persist despite the close coordination between Mexico and Canada.

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