Mexico, US Secure Trade Talks Extension Nearing Agreement on Barriers

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to extend trade negotiations by a few more weeks to resolve 54 pending trade barriers involving commercial, energy, and agricultural sectors. The extension comes just before the deadline when Trump threatened to impose 30 percent tariffs on Mexican imports, highlighting the high stakes of the talks which aim to maintain Mexico's preferential trade conditions under USMCA. Sheinbaum emphasized that the agreement respects Mexico's sovereignty and that any conflicts will be resolved through dialogue and peace, while also noting that migration and security were not discussed during recent talks. The negotiations are led by Mexico's Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, with discussions focusing on easing regulatory hurdles in sectors including energy, telecommunications, agriculture, and intellectual property. Despite tensions and previous tariff impositions by Trump, who has praised Sheinbaum's diplomatic approach, progress is being made with ongoing bilateral cooperation, including efforts to curb arms trafficking. Market optimism has been noted in response to the continued dialogue, reflecting hopes for a favorable resolution to the trade dispute.