Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Mexico on September 18 for a meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum, in a move aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations while navigating rising trade tensions with the United States.
The visit comes at a time when Canada and Mexico are preparing for a review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (CUSMA) in 2026, though speculation persists that the process could begin earlier. Both countries are also managing the effects of U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, who has made trade pressure a central feature of his economic policy since returning to office last year.
Earlier this month, Trump increased tariffs on Canadian goods not covered under CUSMA to 35 percent, while granting Mexico a 90-day reprieve from new restrictions in hopes of securing a separate agreement during that window. Certain U.S. duties — such as a 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports and a 25 percent tariff on autos — remain in place for both nations, even for some products covered under the trade pact.
In advance of Carney’s trip, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne visited Mexico City to begin what they called a “reset” of the bilateral economic relationship. They met with Sheinbaum and with business leaders from both countries to discuss trade infrastructure, supply chains, and new port-to-port shipping links. Champagne noted that while Canada and Mexico are CUSMA partners, they have historically focused more on their direct relationships with the United States than with each other.
Carney’s push to deepen Canada’s connections with Mexico aligns with his broader goal of diversifying trade to reduce economic dependence on the U.S. Since taking office, he has emphasized pursuing agreements with a wider range of partners, especially in light of unpredictable U.S. trade policy.
The opposition has criticized the prime minister’s handling of the situation. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre argued that Carney’s government has failed to secure deals to shield Canada from tariffs, pointing also to ongoing trade disputes with China, including tariffs on Canadian canola.
The approaching CUSMA review looms large over these diplomatic efforts. While the formal review is scheduled for July 2026, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned last week that Trump could move to open negotiations as early as this fall, potentially introducing sweeping new demands. Federal Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has sought to calm concerns, stating that he sees no immediate indication of an accelerated timeline.
For Mexico, the meeting offers an opportunity to coordinate with Canada ahead of any potential U.S. moves. Mexico is Canada’s third-largest trading partner, after the U.S. and China, while Canada ranks as Mexico’s fifth-largest partner. Leaders from both nations see value in aligning their strategies on key industries, such as automotive manufacturing, energy, and agricultural exports, which are all affected by cross-border tariff rules.
Carney’s visit will mark the second high-level exchange between the two leaders in recent months, following Sheinbaum’s trip to Canada during the G7 summit in Alberta in June. Whether the September talks yield concrete policy changes remains to be seen, but both governments appear eager to present a united front as they brace for a potentially challenging trade landscape.
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