Canada and Mexico have committed to strengthening their cooperation on trade and security amid economic pressure from the United States. This agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting in Mexico City between Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared partnership with the U.S., with Carney stating, “We compliment the United States, we make them stronger, and we are all stronger together.”
The backdrop of this meeting includes recent U.S. tariffs affecting both nations: Canada faces a 50% tariff on steel and a range of other tariffs, while Mexico deals with a 25% tariff on certain pharmaceuticals and a “fentanyl tariff” of 25%. Carney’s visit marks his first official trip to Mexico as prime minister, aiming to mend relations after previous tensions arose due to perceptions of Canada seeking a separate trade deal with the U.S. during tariff negotiations.
During their joint news conference, Carney and Sheinbaum displayed a warmer tone, exchanging gifts and expressing their intent to enhance partnership over the next three decades. Current trade between Canada and Mexico reached approximately C$56 billion (about $40.5 billion) in 2024, with discussions also encompassing border security and organized crime—issues highlighted by U.S. tariffs.
Political observers suggest that this renewed cooperation reflects a strategic alignment to avoid conflict during negotiations with the U.S. As they navigate a protectionist U.S. administration that has redefined North American trade dynamics, both leaders face significant challenges. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is scheduled for review in 2026, with feedback from U.S. businesses currently being solicited.
While Sheinbaum has taken a non-confrontational stance towards Washington, Carney faces domestic criticism for not securing tariff relief. He recently ended retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods in hopes of reinitiating discussions. Both Canada and Mexico have recognized the necessity of redefining their relationship in these unprecedented times.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy8r042nx2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss