Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on August 24 that she believes a trade deal with US President Donald Trump is within reach, striking a notably upbeat tone at a moment when North American trade relations look increasingly fractured.
The optimism arrives against a rather dramatic backdrop. US-Canada trade negotiations recently collapsed, prompting Trump to announce 50% tariffs on Canadian goods set to take effect January 1, 2027. Canada, for its part, has signaled retaliatory measures beginning September 8, 2026.
Ebrard takes the lead in Washington
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is currently on the ground in Washington, continuing bilateral discussions after the US-Canada talks fell apart. His presence in the capital is the latest chapter in negotiations that have stretched for over a year, focused on reducing US tariffs imposed on Mexican exports while addressing American concerns on issues including fentanyl trafficking.
Trump himself has described his communications with Sheinbaum as productive, having held multiple calls with the Mexican president since returning to office.
