Canada and Mexico have vowed to strengthen cooperation on trade and security, signaling a renewed partnership as both face mounting economic pressure from US tariffs.
Following a bilateral meeting in Mexico City, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed unity with the United States. “We compliment the United States, we make them stronger, and we are all stronger together,” Carney said at a joint press conference.
The meeting—Carney’s first official visit to Mexico as prime minister—comes after last year’s tensions, when Canada was accused of pursuing a separate trade deal with Washington. On Thursday, the tone was markedly friendlier, with gift exchanges and public displays of goodwill.
Canada and Mexico have both been hit by sector-specific US tariffs: 50% on Canadian steel, 25% on Mexican pharmaceuticals, and a 25% “fentanyl tariff” on Mexico over border security concerns. Canadian exports to the US have been particularly affected, while Mexico’s exports have been relatively more resilient.
Canadian officials confirmed plans to boost trade with Mexico, noting that bilateral trade reached C$56 billion ($40.5 billion) in 2024. The leaders also discussed border security and transnational organised crime, issues frequently cited by US President Trump to justify tariffs.
Political observers say the move reflects a careful balancing act. “Canada and Mexico want to show unity, without appearing to gang up on the US,” said Sebastián Vallejo Vera, a political scientist at Western University.
The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)—the trade pact shaping North American commerce since 1994—is due for review in 2026. Washington has already begun gathering feedback on potential revisions. Both Canada and Mexico argue that the agreement has strengthened the region’s competitiveness and hope to avoid being pitted against each other in upcoming negotiations.
Carney, under criticism at home for not securing tariff relief, recently dropped retaliatory tariffs on US goods in an attempt to revive talks. Mexico, meanwhile, has adopted a measured, non-confrontational tone with Washington.
Analysts suggest Canada has more to gain from closer ties with Mexico than vice versa, given Canada’s heavier tariff burdens. But, as Prof. Vera noted, “these are unprecedented times,” making a Canada–Mexico alliance increasingly important in navigating an unpredictable US trade agenda.
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