Mexico-US Trade Talks Delayed as Tariff Relief Remains Key Focus

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Mexico and the United States have pushed back their next round of bilateral trade negotiations to October. Both governments are reportedly tied up with their own diplomatic schedules, including the G20 summit and other high-level engagements.

According to Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, Mexico’s deputy economy minister for foreign trade, technical discussions with the US Trade Representative’s Office remain in progress despite the postponement. The negotiations are intended to develop an interim trade framework to address tariffs and several critical issues impacting cross-border business. Incidentally, the negotiating agenda has grown significantly from 54 issues to nearly 90.

Gutierrez reiterated that seeking reductions in US duties on steel, aluminium and automobiles continues to be one of the country’s main priorities. Mexican steel and aluminium shipments currently face a 50% US tariff under Section 232, while imported vehicles are subject to a 25% duty.

Mexico wants a tariff treatment that is more competitive with arrangements reached with other US trading partners. It has expressed willingness to boost purchases from the U.S. The bilateral talks are proceeding in parallel with the broader review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).