Mexico Pursues European Trade Deals; Tensions With China

Mexico is modernizing trade ties on two European fronts at once, an EU deal set for signing in May and fresh EFTA modernization talks. In addition, Mexico will hold multiple rounds of talks with China in 2026 after Beijing warned that recent tariffs constitute trade barriers.

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Mexico Eyes EFTA Modernization as EU Deal Nears Signing

Mexico is advancing trade agreement modernization on two fronts simultaneously, moving to update its existing pact with the European Free Trade Association while preparing to sign a revamped deal with the European Union in May, as the government accelerates efforts to diversify exports beyond North America.

Mexico to Engage China in Talks Over Tariff Dispute

Mexico's Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard said the government plans to hold multiple rounds of talks with China throughout the year, including a high-level group meeting, to address tariffs and other trade friction following Beijing's announcement that Mexico's import measures constitute barriers to commerce and investment. Ebrard added that Mexico will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which China is hosting, creating additional opportunities for dialogue. No dates have been set, but Ebrard said meetings will take place in both countries.

China Launches Two Trade Investigations Against United States

China's Ministry of Commerce has announced the launch of two trade investigations in response to US practices restricting Chinese products from entering the US market, stopping short of immediate retaliation against measures announced by Washington earlier this month.

Coparmex Calls for Trilateral, Technical USMCA Review

A review of USMCA should focus on technical modernization and maintain a trilateral framework, said Juan José Sierra Álvarez, President, COPARMEX, following a business delegation visit to Washington, D.C. Sierra Álvarez said the Mexican private sector emphasized that any review of USMCA should strengthen regional integration and avoid renegotiation, while addressing regulatory and non-tariff barriers affecting investment.

Iran Rejects US Peace Plan; War Intensifies

Iran has rejected a 15-point US proposal to end the war in the Middle East, dismissed ongoing negotiations and launched new attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states, as the United States deployed additional troops to the region and Israel carried out airstrikes on Tehran.

Mexico Markets Rally on Iran Ceasefire Hopes, But Risk Looms

Mexico's stock markets rose for a third consecutive session on March 25 as investors extended a rebound driven by expectations that US-Iran negotiations could produce a ceasefire agreement and ease the energy market volatility that has weighed on global markets since the conflict began. The S&P/BMV IPC index, which tracks the most-traded stocks on the Mexican Stock Exchange, gained 1.77% to 66,939.05 points, while the FTSE BIVA index on the Institutional Stock Exchange rose 1.87% to 1,335.51 points. All components of the benchmark index closed higher.