U.S. and Mexico begin bilateral negotiations without Canada

The United States and Mexico will hold initial bilateral negotiating meetings in Mexico City on May 28-29, led by USTR Deputy Ambassador Jeff Goettman. The talks will focus on economic security and rules of origin for major industrial goods. A second bilateral round is planned for June 16-17 in Washington, D.C., shifting attention to agricultural trade and establishing a level playing field. A third bilateral round is scheduled for Mexico City during the week of July 20. Canada is not included in these early bilateral rounds, but Canada’s government says it is engaged in substantive discussions with both the United States and Mexico. Canada says it is ready to launch the formal trilateral joint review when the United States is ready, and that trade officials continue meeting regularly.

"The United States and Mexico are kicking off a series of bilateral negotiating rounds without Canada ahead of the first official review of the North American trade agreement. U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Deputy Ambassador Jeff Goettman is leading an American delegation to Mexico City for an initial two days of meetings on May 28-29. According to the USTR, the negotiations will focus on economic security and rules of origin for major industrial goods."

"A second bilateral round is scheduled for June 16-17 in Washington, D.C., where USTR says it will shift focus to agricultural trade and establishing a "level playing field." A third bilateral round is also scheduled to take place in Mexico City during the week of July 20. While the two-way talks between Washington and Mexico City have raised questions about Ottawa's positioning, the Canadian government is playing down concerns of being left on the sidelines."

"Gabriel Brunet, spokesperson for Canada-U.S. Minister Dominic LeBlanc, describes the U.S.-Mexico meetings as "a normal part of diplomatic engagement" in a statement shared with RealAgriculture. "Canada is engaged in substantive and concrete discussions with the U.S. and Mexico," Brunet says, noting that Canada held its own "positive and productive" bilateral sessions with Mexico a few weeks ago."

"Brunet says Ottawa is fully prepared for the formal, trilateral joint review process to begin, though it appears a firm start date for the three-way talks depends on the Americans. "We have been clear and consistent with the United States that we are ready to launch the joint review the moment they are," Brunet says. "Canadian and American trade officials continue to meet on a regular basis.""

Read at Realagriculture