Mexico eyes early trade deal on steel, aluminum, autos ahead of USMCA

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said on ​Monday that Mexico is interested in reaching an ‌agreement, prior to completing the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact, regarding the exchange of steel, aluminum ​and automobiles.

Sheinbaum spoke at a morning ​press conference as U.S. Trade Representative ⁠Jamieson Greer visits Mexico for talks.

"Obviously, we ​care a great deal about steel, aluminum, ​and automobiles," Sheinbaum said. "We hope that a preliminary agreement can be reached."

Mexico is a major exporter ​of vehicles and auto parts, as well ​as machinery and mechanical equipment, which it sends mainly ‌to ⁠the United States.

This year's USMCA review talks are critical for Mexico, which has so far been largely spared the brunt ​of U.S. ​tariffs thanks ⁠to the bulk of its exports being protected under the ​North American trade pact.

The U.S. has ​suggested ⁠it will seek to tighten its rules of origin to prevent goods - particularly from ⁠China - ​passing through Mexico in ​order to enter the U.S. tariff-free.

Courtesy: www.reuters.com