Velasco Alvarez, speaking in Ottawa, asserted that Mexico remains committed to the trilateral framework established by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and that any discussions with Washington would not undermine Canada’s role in the pact. The remarks come amid renewed questions about how Mexico views potential U.S. asks related to labor, environmental standards, or other provisions that could affect Canada’s participation.
The Mexican official’s comments were made during a news conference attended by Canadian officials, including Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The session underscored ongoing diplomatic sensitivity around whether the United States might seek an arrangement with Mexico that could sideline Canada in future trade talks or policy alignments tied to CUSMA preferences.
Canadian authorities have indicated a desire to uphold the integrity of the trilateral agreement, stressing that any adjustments or side deals should involve all three partners. Analysts have suggested that U.S. policy shifts could test the balance among the three nations, particularly if Washington pursues sector-specific concessions or enforcement mechanisms.
Velasco Alvarez reiterated Mexico’s stance that it values its relationship with both neighbors and that any changes to trade terms should preserve the trilateral framework. He did not specify any ongoing bilateral talks with the United States beyond general discussions typical of allied trade governance. The Mexican position aligns with a broader regional emphasis on maintaining coordinated approaches within North American trade rules rather than pursuing exclusive, bilateral arrangements that could disrupt the multilateral pact.
No timetable was announced for follow-up negotiations, and officials on both sides emphasized the importance of stable, predictable dialogue as talks continue to evolve within the framework of CUSMA.