Mexico Expresses Optimism on US Trade Deal as Canada Talks Collapse

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has voiced confidence that her administration can secure a trade agreement with the United States, even as trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa recently collapsed.

“As President Trump has stated, we hope to reach an agreement with the US,” Sheinbaum told reporters on Monday, expressing optimism about resolving the trade tensions. “I am optimistic that an agreement can be reached.”

To facilitate these discussions, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Sheinbaum’s chief trade negotiator, will extend his stay in Washington for several days. His focus will be on addressing the steep 50% US tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum, alongside 25% duties on automobiles.

The six-year-old USMCA trade pact, which includes the US, Mexico, and Canada, entered its annual review phase last month.

The recent breakdown in Washington’s negotiations with Ottawa has prompted President Trump to announce plans to double tariffs on Canadian cars and parts starting next year.

Additionally, the impasse has led to a 50% US levy on approximately US$20 billion of Canadian goods, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing retaliatory tariffs set to take effect on September 8.

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