Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne have initiated efforts to strengthen economic ties with Mexico during their recent visit. The ministers traveled to Mexico City on Tuesday amid the ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump increased tariffs on Canadian goods not compliant with CUSMA to 35%, while exempting Mexico, raising questions about the differential treatment.
Following meetings with President Claudia Sheinbaum and other Mexican officials and business leaders, Anand and Champagne refrained from commenting on the disparity in tariff actions by the U.S., attributing it to the unique trade and security dynamics between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Anand emphasized that comparing the U.S.’s trade negotiations with Canada and Mexico would oversimplify the situation. Champagne highlighted the forward-looking nature of their discussions, focusing on collaborative opportunities between the two countries.
Despite being CUSMA partners, Canada and Mexico have historically prioritized their trade relations with the U.S., leading to less collaboration between them. However, Anand and Champagne are now aiming to revitalize and diversify the Canada-Mexico partnership.
Anand and Champagne are focusing on fostering a closer relationship with Mexico, acknowledging the potential for increased cooperation in various sectors, including critical minerals, supply chains, investments, and energy security.
They are exploring initiatives such as enhancing port-to-port trade connections to facilitate mutual economic growth. Anand highlighted the collaborative spirit, describing it as an inclusive effort to jumpstart the Canada-Mexico economic partnership.
Sheinbaum shared photos of the meeting on social media, emphasizing the strengthened ties between the two countries. This visit marks the first public, in-person meeting between