Washington: US President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum engaged in a phone conversation as both nations continue to move forward with negotiations on a trade agreement, as reported by Politico on Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the call, which occurred on Wednesday, was described by a person familiar with the discussion as 'so-so,' indicating that new issues were introduced. However, a US official deemed it 'constructive' and dismissed claims that the conversation had been unproductive. This dialogue is part of the ongoing efforts to resolve issues before the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which regulates trade among the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Mexican media reported that officials believe both countries are nearing resolutions on several trade matters, focusing on sectors such as automobiles, steel and aluminum, agriculture, labor, and economic security. The US and Mexico are engaging in bilateral talks in preparation for the broader USMCA review, which also includes Canada. The agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, has been in effect since 2020.
In July, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard held a round of formal bilateral discussions in Mexico City. Both parties described these talks as positive and agreed to continue with negotiations. The next formal talks are scheduled for September 28 and 29 in Washington, having been postponed by a week.
Mexican media also noted that President Trump stated on Thursday that the US is 'very close' to finalizing an 'excellent' trade deal with Mexico. Throughout the negotiations, Trump has frequently addressed concerns regarding trade imbalances, tariffs, and supply chain rules, as his administration aims to adjust the regional trade framework.
While negotiating, Mexico has prioritized maintaining access to the US market and addressing issues related to tariffs, rules of origin, and industry protections. The results of these bilateral discussions will contribute to the larger USMCA review.