Mexico, US to Hold First Trade Meeting Under New Administration

Mexican government officials will be traveling to Washington to discuss the possible implementation of 25% tariffs on Mexican exports to the United States and the potential continuation of a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum. Mexico’s Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard will meet with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and other US representatives to discuss trade matters. 

Ebrard has argued that tariffs lack economic rationale, as the United States currently has a trade surplus in these products. “In 2018, a similar tariff was imposed but was later withdrawn. We believe this measure has no valid economic basis,” said Ebrard. The meeting aims to establish a dialogue on economic integration and trade policies, which have been central to both countries' economic strategies.

The Mexican delegation aims to understand the US administration's position on trade while at the same time presenting Mexico’s reasons for maintaining and strengthening economic integration between both nations, as well as introduce specific trade proposals that they believe would be beneficial for both economies.

Apart from Ebrard, the Mexican team features key government officials, including:

• Vidal Llerenas, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce

• Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade

• Ximena Escobedo, Head of the Institutional Strategy and Organization Unit

• Esteban Moctezuma, Mexican Ambassador to the United States

The meeting will strictly focus on trade matters, as immigration and security matters will be addressed in separate working groups.

To solidify its economic position, Mexico is prioritizing two key objectives:

• Strengthening national production

• Reducing unnecessary imports

By taking these proactive measures, the country aims to ensure its economic resilience and maintain strong trade relations with the United States. Officials expressed confidence that, with strategic planning, Mexico can continue to overcome economic challenges and thrive in the global market.

While no immediate resolutions are expected, Mexican officials emphasized these talks will be the first step in a series of discussions that will lay the groundwork for future agreements. Results of this visit are expected to be disclosed on Friday.

Promoting the ‘Made in Mexico’ Initiative

The Ministry of Economy is also working to promote the ‘Made in Mexico’ initiative during the trip, especially as trade rules evolve and preparations for the T-MEC review process progress. 

Ebrard emphasized the importance of understanding Mexico’s production capabilities and global standing to position the country favorably in upcoming trade negotiations. “This is more than just trade agreements. It is about strengthening Mexico’s role on the world stage,” he added.

The Mexican Ministry of Economy (SE) has issued an agreement regulating the use of the “Hecho en México” and “Made in Mexico” certification marks. The agreement, signed by Ebrard, was published in the Official Gazette (DOF) on Monday, reported MBN. The ministry stated that the agreement aligns with Plan México, a federal strategy aimed at promoting economic development and sustainable growth. 

Under the new framework, the Unit of Regulations, Competitiveness, and Competition within the Ministry of Economy will oversee the authorization process for businesses seeking to use the certification marks. This unit will be responsible for enforcing the agreement and ensuring compliance with established rules, reported MBN.