Mexico Pledges to Boost US Purchases, Curb China Imports to Save USMCA Talks

President Sheinbaum said Mexico is looking at buying more from the United States instead of other countries to address the $102.6 billion bilateral trade surplus Mexico ran with the US in the first half of 2026 — the deficit figure Washington has flagged in USMCA review talks. 'We're looking at what can be done to, instead of buying from other countries in the world, buy from the United States,' she said at her daily press conference. Mexico's tariffs of up to 50% on countries without a free-trade agreement, including China, have been in effect since early 2026 and, combined with new steel and aluminum traceability rules targeting Chinese transshipment, helped cut Chinese imports 28.4% in the first five months of the year. Mexico is still seeking relief from 50% Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs and 25% auto tariffs ahead of the fourth bilateral USMCA review round set for Sept 28-29 in Washington.