US-Mexico Trade Discussions Set to Begin March 16

The United States and Mexico announced they will begin bilateral trade negotiations on March 16, preparing for a comprehensive review of the USMCA trade agreement later this year. The talks come as President Trump's tariff policies have created uncertainty in North American trade relationships.

Officials from both the United States and Mexico announced Thursday that bilateral trade negotiations will commence March 16, setting the stage for an upcoming comprehensive evaluation of the trade agreement that has significantly influenced both nations’ economic landscapes and maintained commercial stability amid President Trump’s fluctuating tariff strategies.

These bilateral discussions will precede the formal review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) scheduled for later this year. The USMCA represents the most recent iteration of North American free trade pacts that originated in the early 1990s and have deeply connected the economic systems of all three nations.

While the USMCA has shielded Mexico from many of Trump’s protectionist policies by covering numerous Mexican products under free trade provisions, several items remain unprotected. Medium and heavy-duty trucks currently face a 25% tariff, while steel, aluminum and copper are subject to a 50% duty. Mexican tomatoes carry a 17% tariff.

Mexico’s Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced on X that the initial round of bilateral discussions was coordinated with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Ebrard indicated the talks would focus on origin requirements, production enhancement, supply chain protection and economic integration to strengthen competitiveness against other global regions.

According to Greer’s office, following the opening discussions, both nations plan to “meet regularly thereafter.”

The relationship between the three USMCA member countries has faced challenges over the past year due to Trump’s protectionist approach, creating uncertainty among markets and investors. Ebrard and fellow Mexican officials have made frequent trips to Washington for meetings with American counterparts in efforts to mitigate tariff concerns.

Additionally, Mexico and Canada are conducting separate discussions to enhance trade and security cooperation in preparation for the USMCA’s six-year review.