Mexico-US Trade Talks Delayed to October as Tariff Negotiations Continue

The fourth round of Mexico-US trade talks is unlikely to take place next week and could be postponed until October as both countries navigate a busy diplomatic schedule, according to a senior Mexican trade official.

Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, Mexico’s deputy economy minister for foreign trade, said Wednesday that scheduling conflicts were behind the expected delay. Key events include Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States and the upcoming G20 summit.

Despite the postponement of formal negotiations, Gutierrez said Mexican officials remain in daily technical discussions with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), indicating that work toward a potential trade agreement is continuing.

Mexico and the United States are negotiating an interim bilateral deal aimed at resolving several trade disputes. Mexico is seeking relief from US tariffs, while Washington is pressing for changes in areas including automotive content requirements and Chinese investment in Mexico.

Mexico’s main objective is to secure lower US Section 232 tariffs affecting steel, aluminum and automobiles, Gutierrez told reporters after the American Society of Mexico’s binational convention in Mexico City.

The tariffs remain a major concern for Mexican exporters and manufacturers because the United States is Mexico’s largest trading partner and a critical market for its automotive and metals industries.

The scope of the negotiations has also widened considerably. Gutierrez said the trade agenda initially covered 54 issues but has since expanded to nearly 90 topics. He described the increase as a normal development as negotiators examine complicated areas such as digital platform regulation and other cross-border trade concerns.

The potential October meeting would mark the fourth formal round of talks as Mexico and the United States attempt to narrow their differences and reach an interim agreement. Technical discussions are expected to continue while officials work to find a suitable date for the next negotiating round.