First Meeting Between Sheinbaum, Trump Highlights Cooperation

President Claudia Sheinbaum held her first in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump on Dec. 5 in Washington, followed by a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. “We had an excellent meeting,” Sheinbaum wrote on X, noting their discussions on the opportunities arising from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The meeting comes just two days after Trump suggested he might let the USMCA trade agreement with Mexico and Canada expire, which is scheduled for renegotiation in 2026.

“We agreed to continue working together on trade issues with our teams,” Sheinbaum said.  Although Trump and Sheinbaum had spoken by phone previously, this marked their first in-person encounter. Sheinbaum mentioned that Trump invited her to return to Washington, saying, “we will agree on a date soon.”

Earlier, during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, where all three leaders were present, Trump praised his collaboration with Sheinbaum and Carney. “We have worked very closely with Carney and Sheinbaum, coordinating effectively. The relationship has been fantastic,” he said.

USMCA Uncertainty

Recent statements have raised questions about the future of the USMCA. Last week, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that President Trump might withdraw from the agreement next year. “The president’s view is that he only wants deals that are a good deal. The reason we included a review period in the USMCA was in case we needed to modify it, revisit it, or abandon it,” Greer said. He also mentioned the possibility of negotiating separately with Canada and Mexico, effectively splitting the agreement, and noted that he discussed this option with Trump earlier this week. On Dec. 3, Trump stated that USMCA could either be allowed to expire or be replaced with a new agreement.

In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that the USMCA is not set to end next year. “There is some misinformation about the future of the agreement. While certain commercial issues are still pending, not everything the president says should be taken literally. The agreement does not end; it will be reviewed, but it is not true that it expires next year,” she explained, adding that the topic will be part of her upcoming meeting with President Trump.

The 2026 USMCA review, set for July 2026, will determine whether the three countries extend the agreement to 2042, continue annual reviews, or let it expire in 2036. Despite uncertainty, experts see potential benefits for Mexico. “Whatever happens during the USMCA renegotiation, Mexico will continue to be favored over any other country thanks to its large advantages,” said Juan Bringas, Director of Entrepreneurship and Promotion, Ministry of Economic Development of Monterrey, during Mexico Business Summit 2025.

Canada and Mexico account for 32% and 41% of US trade-related GDP, respectively, reinforcing their motivation to stay aligned with US trade regulations. “USMCA helps bring companies from all over the world, which can take advantage of the region’s robust industrial ecosystem,” said Annabelle Larouche, Consul General of Canada in Monterrey. “The region is the safest and most competitive economic bloc in the world.”