Mexico and the United States are holding their second formal talks on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) in Mexico City today, April 19, 2026. Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative, arrived in the Mexican capital for the crucial discussions, as announced by Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard via his X account.
Optimism from Mexico Amidst Growing Tensions
Secretary Ebrard expressed optimism regarding the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding to protect the economic ties built over 40 years of free trade. “We have to reach an understanding because the jobs of millions of people and thousands of companies are at stake. We have 85 percent of our trade with the United States, and we are their main exporter and importer. The most important thing is that we understand each other and protect what we have built in these 40 years of Free Trade Agreement,” Ebrard stated in a video shared on his social media.
Despite Mexico’s optimistic stance, the overall outlook appears tense. Both the United States and Canada have recently voiced dissatisfaction with certain reciprocal demands, casting a shadow over the upcoming discussions.
Key Figures and Agenda for the Mexico City Meeting
Marcelo Ebrard and Jamieson Greer are scheduled to meet with executives from major companies and members of the private sector in Mexico City today. This gathering marks the second round of formal negotiations for the T-MEC. The first meeting took place on March 18 in Washington, where discussions focused on increasing regional production, competitiveness, supply chain security, and compliance with labor clauses.
For the current talks, it is anticipated that negotiations will cover rules of origin and review sectors such as steel, aluminum, the automotive industry, and agriculture. Additionally, the agenda includes defining greater coordination of trade policies and relaunching import initiatives.
US and Canada Express Discontent
The rising tensions among the T-MEC partners are evident in recent statements from high-ranking officials. Howard Lutnick, the US Commerce Secretary, openly criticized Canada’s trade strategy, calling it “terrible” and the worst he had ever heard. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney asserted that the trade relationship with the US, once strong, has weakened in recent times.
Carney has also been a vocal critic of the tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, arguing that such measures create uncertainty in critical sectors like automotive and steel.
First Formal Review of T-MEC Approaching
The first formal and joint review of the T-MEC is slated for July 1, 2026, marking six years since its implementation. This comprehensive review will be pivotal in determining the agreement’s continuity until 2036 or 2042, highlighting the significant stakes involved in the ongoing discussions.
The outcome of these current talks in Mexico City will undoubtedly influence the tenor and direction of the upcoming formal review, as all three nations navigate complex trade relations and strive to uphold the integrity and benefits of the T-MEC.
