Mexico has made the elimination of U.S. tariffs its top priority in the upcoming review of the USMCA (T-MEC) trade agreement. Both the government and opposition parties agree that ongoing bilateral negotiations with the United States should result in a zero-tariff framework, particularly for key sectors such as automotive, steel, and aluminium.
The issue has gained urgency ahead of the formal review of the agreement scheduled for 1 July 2026, which will determine whether North America maintains its current trilateral trade structure or faces increased commercial tensions. The first round of talks began on 5 March in Washington, led by Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Mexico argues that existing tariffs—some of them significant in strategic industries—undermine the spirit of the agreement and harm regional integration. Despite the USMCA covering most trade, certain products remain subject to duties, reinforcing Mexico’s push for a fully tariff-free system.
President Claudia Sheinbaum and lawmakers view tariff removal as essential to protecting competitiveness and strengthening North American supply chains. Overall, the negotiations are seen as a critical test of economic cooperation between the two countries and the future stability of the trade pact.
