Sheinbaum Defends T-MEC, Cites Need for Unity to Compete with China

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has strongly defended the North American Free Trade Agreement (T-MEC), asserting that the pact equally benefits Mexico, the United States, and Canada. She highlighted that the agreement enhances North America's competitiveness against global economic powers like China. Sheinbaum's remarks directly addressed recent doubts cast on the treaty's future by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Sheinbaum emphasized that the T-MEC has yielded significant economic advantages for all three signatory nations. She pointed out that maintaining the treaty allows for integrated production chains, particularly within the automotive sector. "It is better to be together to compete with China, for example, than to be separated," she stated, underscoring the collaborative strength of the region. She explained that shared production between Mexico and the U.S. has fostered job creation on both sides of the border, as many industries operate complementarily rather than in direct competition.

Furthermore, the President noted that increased tariffs have contributed to higher prices for various goods in the United States, including vehicles. She suggested that favorable conditions within the T-MEC could help lower consumer costs. Sheinbaum recalled that Trump himself championed the T-MEC during his first term, labeling it a key economic achievement of his administration. She expressed confidence that the agreement will remain in force, viewing current discussions as part of a standard review and negotiation process among member countries. "I believe the T-MEC will be maintained," she affirmed, reiterating Mexico's commitment to pursuing agreements that benefit its national economy and its people.