August 5, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne arrived in Mexico on Monday for high-level talks with newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum, focusing on economic growth, trade, and regional security.
The two-day visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming trip to Mexico, where he is also scheduled to meet with Sheinbaum.
The meetings follow growing trade tensions in North America. On Friday, the United States imposed a 35 per cent tariff on Canadian goods that do not meet the standards outlined in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Mexico, however, received a 90-day reprieve from similar tariff threats.
The timing is significant, as CUSMA is set for a mandatory review in 2026, prompting renewed focus on the agreement’s terms and the roles each country plays.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has previously raised concerns about Mexico’s role in the trilateral trade pact, accusing it of acting as a gateway for Chinese auto parts and vehicles to enter the North American market. He has called for a bilateral trade agreement between Canada and the United States.
The automotive industry remains a cornerstone of Canada-Mexico trade, with vehicles and auto parts comprising 20 per cent of Canada’s exports to Mexico and 37 per cent of its imports, according to Economic Development Canada.
The ongoing discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Carney’s visit and shape Canada’s strategy ahead of next year’s CUSMA review.
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