Mexico rules out bilateral trade agreement with Canada

MEXICO CITY

Mexico will not pursue a bilateral trade agreement with Canada, the country's President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday following a meeting with a Canadian delegation.

“No, there are no bilateral agreements," Sheinbaum said during her daily briefing in Mexico City at the National Palace, ruling out any individual trade agreement with Canada, saying it is unnecessary as the two countries already participate in the trilateral USMCA agreement with the US.

“There is already a framework to strengthen the Mexico–Canada relationship, just as we are doing with other countries,” she said.

Both North American countries have faced pressure from US President Donald Trump amid threats of tariffs has prompted Mexico and Canada to deepen their bilateral ties.

On Aug. 5, Sheinbaum met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Minister of Finance and National Revenue Francois-Philippe Champagne in Mexico City.

The meeting was welcomed by both parties and comes as Trump continues to threaten the US two neighbors and trading partners with tariffs, saying they did not meet his administration's trade and security expectations.

Sheinbaum also addressed the negative impacts Canadian mining companies have had on Mexican territory and discussed further regulations to prevent environmental damage during Tuesday's talks.

“We also discussed the mining companies and all the harm Canadian mining companies have caused in Mexico, and the need for them to comply with all the requirements imposed by an environmental impact statement and its resolution,” she said.

While Mexico has clinched a 90-day delay on 30% US tariffs set to take effect last week, Trump hiked a previously 25% levy on Canadian imports to 35% over drug-related security concerns.