Mexico Would Know if Trump Planned T-MEC Exit, Economy Chief Says Amid Talks

Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard asserted that his country would be aware if U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the T-MEC trade agreement. Ebrard stated that such a decision would not come as a surprise, given the ongoing review process. "If President Trump had already decided not to continue with the free trade agreement we have, we would surely know," he said during a press conference. He noted that the U.S. president has been in office for over a year, and the current focus is on the treaty's review.

Technical negotiations between Mexico and the United States commenced in Washington D.C. as part of the T-MEC review. This marks the second formal round of talks, with Ebrard scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday. The negotiations aim to address various aspects of the treaty, which comprises 34 titles, with both nations identifying specific areas for recommendations or additions. Mexico's stance includes challenging the U.S. imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs under Section 232, which Ebrard contends contravenes the treaty and harms the automotive industry.

Further rounds of discussions are planned, including a joint review by the three T-MEC countries on July 1st, as stipulated by the treaty's Article 34.7. A third round of negotiations between Mexico and the U.S. is scheduled for July 20th. Ebrard emphasized that Mexico plans to present its viewpoints on steel and aluminum, as well as other critical topics such as agriculture, labor, environmental regulations, and rules of origin, all of which are of interest to both Mexico and the United States.