Canada and Mexico have vowed to strengthen cooperation and present a united front as they prepare for next year’s scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The pledge comes amid growing uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and combative trade policies.
On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Mexico City for talks with President Claudia Sheinbaum. The leaders discussed deepening economic and security ties while reaffirming the value of trilateral trade with Washington.
Sheinbaum highlighted the importance of mutual respect and collaboration. “Mexico and Canada will continue walking together, with mutual respect and with the certainty that cooperation is the path to overcome any challenge,” she said during a joint press conference.
Carney praised North America’s economic strength, describing the region as the “envy of the world.” He expressed confidence that Mexico and Canada could work together to adjust the trade framework in ways that bolster competitiveness and protect their shared interests.
Both leaders emphasized that their countries were partners, not rivals, in navigating relations with Washington. “We will move forward together,” Carney affirmed, signaling unity in the face of Trump’s aggressive trade measures.
The USMCA review has already entered the public consultation stage. Canada has faced difficulties in renegotiating agreements with the U.S., while Mexico has had to respond to Trump’s unilateral directives, including a controversial order to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Reports also claimed Trump had directed the U.S. military to prepare strikes against Mexican drug cartels, sparking fears of direct intervention.
Trade disputes have added to the strain. Washington has imposed 50 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and 25 percent on Mexican pharmaceuticals, as well as a 25 percent “fentanyl tariff.” Both countries, however, remain America’s largest trading partners and depend heavily on U.S. market access.
Bilateral trade between Mexico and Canada was valued at $40.5 billion in 2024, compared to Canada’s $924.4 billion trade with the U.S. The upcoming review will determine whether North America’s economic integration can withstand rising political tensions.
Africa Digital News, New York
