Ebrard clearly pointed out the origin of the current problems. “In summary, what Mexico is arguing is, the greatest difficulties with the treaty have come from your decisions. We need to resolve it,” he said, referring to the unilateral measures applied by the United States under Section 232 and the non-compliant panels on rules of origin in the automotive industry.
Mexico seeks to resolve these controversies before the 2026 review. The objective is to preserve bilateral free trade and prevent tensions from escalating in a context of reinforced protectionism. The strategy is based on direct negotiation and the containment of retaliatory measures.
An example illustrated this position. In March, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican products. President Claudia Sheinbaum intervened personally. “The President spoke with President Trump… The result seemed unlikely. She achieved it in her conversation,” Ebrard said. The measure was not applied and the bilateral relationship remained unchanged.
The treaty will remain in place
The secretary conveyed a message of confidence. “The treaty will remain. The treaty will survive,” he assured. Mexico and China obtained a period of 90 days to resolve the most sensitive issues before the formal review.
More than 80% of Mexican exports enter the US market without tariffs. Mexico maintains a more advantageous position than the European Union, Japan or China, thanks to a strategy anticipated from the presidential transition stage. The so-called Mexico Plan seeks to increase national content, reduce deficits with third countries and consolidate the export base.
Among the sectors with the greatest potential is the pharmaceutical sector. The United States imports 237 billion dollars in pharmaceutical products, while Mexico exports only 1.6 billion. For the Government, this gap represents a strategic opportunity to diversify its foreign offer.
Ebrard highlighted that, despite the adverse environment, the Mexican economy is resisting solidly. Exports have not fallen and foreign direct investment reached historic highs in 2025. “The decision to participate in Mexico for the coming years remains,” he noted.
The Government also launched a broad round of consultations with 30 productive sectors and the 32 federal entities. It seeks to articulate a unified position for the 2026 review that allows presenting a common front in negotiations with Washington.
“I come to bring a message of optimism about the future of our country, because I have no doubt, no doubt, that the strategy that is underway, led by our President Claudia Sheinbaum, is going to be successful,” he assured the Senate Plenary.
