USTR Heads to Mexico to Talk USMCA With Canada and Mexico

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Deputy USTR Jayme White headed to Cancun, Mexico, to meet with Mexican Economy Secretary Raquel Buenrostro and Canada's trade minister, Mary Ng, ahead of the official USMCA Free Trade Commission meeting on July 6.

Officials from the office of the U.S. Trade Representative previewed the trip, but revealed little of what would be discussed, though they acknowledged the dairy dispute with Canada, energy and biotechnology complaints with Mexico were likely to be raised.

Officials sidestepped a question about whether the U.S. refusal to implement the panel report on auto rules of origin undermines its standing as it tries to resolve its complaints, but said USTR officials are engaging with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to reach a settlement. "We want to find one that will benefit all the parties and stakeholders, that will enhance North American production and jobs," the anonymous official said during a background call with reporters July 5.

The officials said this commission meeting is particularly notable, because it is halfway to the sunset review in 2026.

"While there are areas of disagreement, of course, some of which may come up in these bilateral meetings, they do not outweigh the productive nature of our trade relationship," a USTR official said.