Mexico and Canada Discuss Countermeasures Against U.S. Tariff Pressure

On the 5th, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum met with visiting senior Canadian officials to discuss joint responses to U.S. tariff policies and deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. As the U.S.'s immediate neighbors to the south and north respectively, both nations are major American trade partners and primary targets of the Trump administration's tariff measures.

According to Reuters, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister Chrystia
Freeland held talks with Sheinbaum and several Mexican ministers. Prior to the meeting, Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters he would exchange experiences with Freeland on countering U.S. tariffs.

Anand stated on social media platform X that she and Freeland met with Sheinbaum, Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, and other officials, noting these discussions "advanced cooperation on shared priorities like economic growth, security, and trade diversification."

During a virtual press briefing, Anand added: "We've agreed to develop a bilateral work plan focusing on resilient supply chains, port-to-port trade corridors, AI/digital economy, and energy security."

On July 31, the White House announced President Trump had signed an executive order adjusting so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on multiple trade partners. Effective August 1, U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods rose from 25% to 35%, though products qualifying under the USMCA remain exempt.

The White House justified the hike by accusing Canada of failing to cooperate on curbing fentanyl trafficking while retaliating against U.S. measures.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed disappointment, citing severe impacts on lumber, steel, aluminum, and automotive industries, and vowed to diversify export markets while protecting domestic jobs.

Separately on July 31, U.S. and Mexican leaders agreed to maintain current tariff rates for 90 days while negotiating new trade terms. The U.S. continues imposing 25% "fentanyl tariffs" on Mexico (with USMCA exemptions), alongside 25% auto tariffs and 50% metals duties.