This first meeting has two main objectives:
1. Listen directly to the position of the new US trade administration.
2. Present Mexico’s arguments in favor of economic integration between the two countries.
“This integration has been beneficial for millions of people and we must protect it.”
Concrete proposals will also be presented that Mexico considers more appropriate for both nations.
On the part of Mexico, the delegation will be made up of:
- Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy.
- Vidal Llerenas, Undersecretary of Industry and Commerce.
- Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade.
- Ximena Escobedo, head of the Institutional Strategy and Organization Unit.
- Esteban Moctezuma, Mexican ambassador to the United States (his participation is planned, given his key role in this type of dialogues).
Agenda topics
This meeting will focus exclusively on trade issues. There will be no migratory or security issues, since there are separate work tables for these matters, as President Sheinbaum already reported, Ebrard said.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry coordinates all these work tables, each with its specific approach: border infrastructure, environment, commerce and migration, among others. Each theme is addressed in its corresponding space.
On a steel and aluminum tariff that can be 50%, he said that Mexico considers that this measure has no basis, because the United States is overrav. “We import more than we export, so imposing a tariff in this situation lacks economic logic.”
In 2018, a similar decision was made, but finally retired, he recalled.
He said it is only the first conversation. It is not expected that everything will be resolved immediately, but to lay the foundations for advancing in the next meetings.
On Friday, the results of this visit will be reported.
Position what “done in Mexico”
The Ministry of Economy has the task of promoting the “made in Mexico” badge in an environment in which the foreign trade rules are changing and towards the revision of the T-MEC, which the country has to get well positioned.
Recently, President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the Mexico Plan, a road map created with the collaboration of various sectors. This plan will be key to the next few years.
Faced with these challenges, there are two paths: wait to see what happens or prepare with a clear strategy.
The best option is to advance, define the route and be ready to face what comes. Mexico is a country that has managed to overcome the challenges. “We have done it before, and we will do it again,” Ebrard said in the presentation of the Honorary Council Promoter “Made in Mexico.”
In order for the Mexico Plan to come alive, you need to know what we produce, what we represent and what can be achieved together. The Secretary of Economy said that it is not just commercial agreements or tariff agreements, but about strengthening Mexico on the global stage.
“The purpose of all this effort is for Mexico to go ahead, that it raises anything that comes to present us, that we are united, that we are cohesive and that we project to our country. Then, made in Mexico means all that,” he said.
He pointed out that the first step with clear goals is taking place:
- Strengthen national production.
- Reduce unnecessary imports.
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
