Mexico urges US to return to evidence-based trade decisions

Mexico City — Senior Mexican officials on Monday called on the United States to return to evidence-based trade decisions and the removal of unilateral tariffs should be a priority in the forthcoming review of the North American trade agreement.

Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue stated during consultations related to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that recent US measures and direct subsidies in the food sector have caused trade distortions of approximately $12 billion.

“The key element is the urgent need for the US government, in particular, to return to respecting the principle that decisions affecting trade, even if not entirely commercial measures, should be based on evidence, science, and technology,” Berdegue said in a speech.

Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard added that 78.5 per cent of Mexico’s economic sector supports updating the pact and has called for its refinement to prevent unilateral tariffs.

He stated that the review would focus on reducing import dependency, strengthening rules of origin, and reinforcing supply chain security in the North American region.

Ebrard also emphasised the importance for Mexico to increase domestic production in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.

Bilateral talks between Mexico and the US are planned to begin next week, whilst discussions between Mexico and Canada are scheduled for May 2026.