Mexico Proposes T-MEC Continuity and Tariff Elimination in Upcoming U.S. Talks

Mexico City — Mexico will propose extending the T-MEC trade agreement and eliminating tariffs during upcoming negotiations with the United States, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced on Monday.

Ebrard said the first round of talks will take place on Wednesday, following a preliminary virtual meeting on Tuesday. In a social media post, he stated that Mexico’s approach will be guided by “a cool head and firmness.”

“Plan approved by President Sheinbaum for the T-MEC review: Tuesday there will be a preliminary meeting via Zoom, Wednesday will see the first round of conversations with the United States,” Ebrard wrote on X. “Mexico will propose the permanence of T-MEC and the elimination of tariffs. A cool head and firmness will guide us.”

Deputy Secretary of Foreign Trade Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez and his counterparts will participate in the Zoom meeting. The in-person session will include Ebrard and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Last Thursday, during a meeting with steel industry representatives, Ebrard outlined key topics for the formal session, including rules of origin, reducing dependence on Asian imports, and strengthening regional supply chains.

“First topic: reduce dependence on imports from Asia. Why is this relevant? Because this didn’t exist in any document with the USTR and Mexico,” Ebrard said at the annual assembly of the National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero). “Second topic: rules of origin, because it’s derived from the previous one. And third topic: security of our supply chains.”