In brief
Mexico’s president, President Claudia Sheinbaum, said her government is advancing trade negotiations with the United States to resolve tariff issues under the US‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement before the U.S. mid‑term elections. Key talks revolve around steel, aluminum and automotive tariffs, while most non‑tariff barriers are already addressed. Sheinbaum emphasized continued cooperation regardless of the election outcome.
Mexico is stepping into trade negotiations with Washington as the United States prepares for mid‑term congressional elections scheduled for November 3, 2026, First‑hand reports from the Mexican capital detailed that President Claudia Sheinbaum announced work is underway to resolve outstanding matters under the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement (USMCA) before the ballots are cast.
During her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum confirmed that Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is in active contact with U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson, to tackle tariff questions that still divide both sides.
The primary focus of the talks is on reducing tariffs imposed under Section 232 of U.S. trade law on steel, aluminum and the automotive sector, sectors that remain contentious after the agreement’s review process began on July 1 of this year.
She also noted that most non‑tariff barriers identified by Washington have already been addressed, signaling that on several fronts the two nations have found common ground without the need to compromise sovereignty.
"We are going to continue working with the United States. That work is not interrupted,"
She said before her press conference, underscoring Mexico’s determination to stay engaged regardless of which party wins the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate races.
In a related development, Sheinbaum responded to recent statements by former President Donald Trump, who suggested an agreement could be finalised. She urged "great patience and composure" from all sides during the negotiation phase.
While no definitive agreement on the key tariff issues has yet been reached, the Mexican administration highlighted that progress has been significant, especially in reducing friction over trade rules while protecting domestic industries.
U.S. officials, represented by Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, are participating in the dialogue as the U.S. mid‑term elections, which decide membership of the House of Representatives and the Senate, could alter the political landscape for trade policy.
Both sides therefore appear to be seeking a resolution that would set a stable economic foundation before the U.S. political environment shifts in the coming weeks.
Observers note that the USMCA’s annual review mechanism, initiated last July, gives the U.S. the option to dynamically adjust provisions over the next decade, adding a layer of potential flexibility to negotiations amid the election timetable.
With Mexico’s leadership actively pursuing an agreement, the next several days will be pivotal in determining whether a productive compromise can be crafted ahead of the U.S. legislative changes that may follow the November 3 elections.
