Mexico and Canada Agree 'Close Coordination' on USMCA Review as Formal Round Approaches May 25

Mexico and Canada agreed on May 9, 2026 to maintain 'close co-ordination' in their respective USMCA review negotiations with the United States, ahead of the formal bilateral negotiating round confirmed for the week of May 25 in Mexico City. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard and Canadian counterparts held coordination talks recognizing that while Mexico and Canada would negotiate separately with Washington, their shared interests — particularly on automotive rules of origin, labor provisions, and dairy market access — required aligned positions. With 16 days until the formal round, both governments faced pressure from the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who had warned negotiations were likely to run past the July review deadline. Mexico entered the round with its priorities clear: removal or reduction of 25% US steel and aluminum tariffs, maintenance of automotive rules of origin that protect Mexican assembly plants, and a transition period for any new digital trade and critical minerals provisions. Sheinbaum's approval rating stood at approximately 54% according to LatAm Pulse polling, down from 70%+ in Q1 2026 — attributed to economic contraction concerns, the Sinaloa governance crisis, and USMCA uncertainty. With the FIFA World Cup opening in 33 days (June 11, Mexico City, Mexico vs. South Africa), Mexico balanced two simultaneous showcases of national capacity: managing the world's largest sporting event while renegotiating its economic architecture with its largest trading partner.