Mexico’s Sheinbaum says she spoke with Trump as trade negotiations continue
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she held a "very good" phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump as both governments pursue a bilateral trade agreement. Sheinbaum said progress is being made and that Mexico hopes the deal will include reductions in U.S. tariffs on Mexican goods.
Why It Matters
A bilateral deal could alter tariff exposure for major Mexican export sectors and comes as both countries aim to conclude talks before U.S. midterm elections. The negotiations occur against a backdrop of broader trade tensions involving the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Key Facts
- Call between leaders: Sheinbaum said she spoke with Donald Trump by phone on Wednesday and described the call as "very good".
- Public remark timing: Sheinbaum made the comments during her morning news conference on Friday.
- Primary negotiating goal: Mexico hopes a deal will result in a decrease in U.S. tariffs on Mexican products.
- Sectors seeking relief: Sheinbaum said Mexico wants tariff relief for steel, aluminium, and cars.
- Target timeline: Mexico and the U.S. are seeking a bilateral trade deal before the November U.S. midterm elections.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday that she had a "very good" telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump as the two countries continue negotiations on a bilateral trade pact. Sheinbaum provided few details about the call, which she said took place on Wednesday, but indicated that talks are making progress. Sheinbaum said Mexico is pushing for the agreement to secure reductions in U.S. import tariffs on Mexican goods. She identified specific industries where Mexico hopes to obtain relief, naming steel, aluminium and automobiles as priorities for tariff rollback. The discussions occur within the framework of the USMCA, the three-country trade agreement that has integrated economic activity among the United States, Mexico and Canada and exempted most trade from tariffs. Sheinbaum said Mexico is working "within the framework of sovereignty, respect, and what is best for Mexico" to reach an accord soon. Negotiators on both sides have sought to conclude a bilateral deal ahead of the November U.S. midterm elections, as steep U.S. import taxes imposed by the Trump administration have been cited by voters as a factor in higher prices. The talks come amid wider tensions with Canada as well; the U.S. has applied tariffs on some products and U.S. comments about military operations on Mexican territory and proposals such as turning Canada into the 51st state have drawn criticism and pushback from Mexican and Canadian leaders, the source said.
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