Prime Minister Mark Carney Delivers opening remarks at the liberal Caucus in Edmonton on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Associated Press
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Mexico for a two-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral trade. The visit comes as both countries prepare for the crucial review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026.
More than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S., while Mexico sends over 80% of its goods north. Both nations are under pressure to maintain access to their largest market.
Carney and Sheinbaum Focus on U.S. Relations
Carney is expected to meet Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to discuss trade, strategy, and U.S. relations. Canadian Senator Peter Boehm said both leaders will likely share concerns about the American administration.
“It’s an opportunity to talk about how to handle the U.S. going forward,” Boehm explained.
The Canadian leader’s visit also seeks to mend tensions. Last year, some Canadian provincial premiers suggested excluding Mexico from any new trade talks with Washington. Those remarks strained relations with Mexico, which views such comments as deeply offensive.
Trump’s Tariff Threats Cloud the Talks
Former U.S. President Donald Trump remains a looming factor in these negotiations. He has accused both Canada and Mexico of involvement in fentanyl smuggling. Trump has also threatened sweeping tariffs, including a 50% duty on steel and aluminum imports under Section 232 tariffs.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Trump’s comparison of Canada to Mexico “the most insulting thing” he had ever heard. Canadian officials believe those statements damaged trust with Mexico.
“Mexicans are particularly sensitive on these matters, and there was concern about the premiers’ comments,” Boehm said.
Canada-Mexico Trade Importance Grows
Despite tensions, trade between Canada and Mexico continues to expand. Mexico is now Canada’s third-largest trading partner after the U.S. and China. In 2024, Canada ranked as Mexico’s fifth-largest trade partner.
Boehm stressed the importance of this partnership. “We trade more with Mexico than with the entire European Union, including the U.K.,” he said.
Carney has made efforts to strengthen ties. He invited Sheinbaum to the G7 summit in Alberta earlier this year. Canada also sent its foreign and finance ministers to Mexico in August to deepen cooperation.
Shared Strategy on USMCA Negotiations
The upcoming USMCA review is a top priority for both countries. The pact shields most Canadian and Mexican goods from U.S. tariffs, offering preferential treatment in the world’s largest trading bloc. However, specific tariffs remain a challenge.
Nelson Wiseman, a political expert at the University of Toronto, said both leaders now face a common challenge. “Trump looms over this visit. Mexico and Canada share a common threat from the U.S.,” he explained.
Wiseman added that cooperation may be the key to survival. “Carney and Sheinbaum recognize that working together against Trump could be more effective than seeking separate deals.”
Looking Ahead
The visit highlights the delicate balance in North American trade. While Canada and Mexico want to strengthen ties with each other, both remain heavily dependent on the U.S. market.
As the USMCA review approaches, Carney’s outreach to Mexico signals a desire to build solidarity. Both nations hope that closer cooperation will give them a stronger voice when renegotiations begin.
For now, Canada and Mexico appear ready to stand together in defending their economic interests against mounting U.S. pressures.
