Mexico City, June 16: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed her support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding free trade. She stated that she is ready to discuss the benefits of this agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump if necessary.
During a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Monday, Sheinbaum remarked, “This agreement benefits all three countries. The previous deal had some issues for the U.S. President Trump personally signed this second agreement.”
According to Xinhua News Agency, Sheinbaum noted that under the current review process of the trade deal, Mexico hopes to see reductions in U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. She also mentioned that she would engage in discussions with Trump if needed to achieve these goals.
She explained, “The proposal is a review. Why is this law? Because it has been approved by the U.S. Congress, the Mexican Congress, and the Senate in Canada.”
Sheinbaum stated that a delegation led by Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard is working to ensure the continuation of this agreement. However, she acknowledged that the U.S. government’s more protectionist stance has introduced new challenges into the ongoing negotiations.
She highlighted that the U.S. insists that North American goods should be manufactured within the U.S., while “we believe it should not be limited to just the U.S. but should encompass the entire region, as this is a free trade agreement.”
These comments from Sheinbaum come amid recent skepticism from Trump regarding the renewal of the USMCA, suggesting that the U.S. does not need anything from Canada and Mexico.
Earlier this month, Sheinbaum reaffirmed her government’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Cuba. She stated that the island nation is facing difficult circumstances and needs support from the international community.
As reported by Xinhua, Sheinbaum promised to continue all forms of assistance under the long-standing relationship of solidarity between the two countries.
She said, “We have consistently sent aid and will continue to do so for the people of Cuba.”
Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico will make every effort to support this island nation, especially as the U.S. tightens its blockade on Cuba, which has been in place for over six decades.
She added, “This is a matter of solidarity. The people of Mexico have always done this, and we will continue to do so because this is a country in need.”
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