Overview
- During a visit to a Ford plant in Dearborn, President Donald Trump said the trade pact brings “no real advantage,” added that the United States does not need cars made in Mexico or Canada, and pressed for onshoring auto production.
- The agreement faces its mandated 2026 joint review this year, with technical meetings starting in the coming weeks and a formal decision on extension or renegotiation due by midyear.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the pact’s relevance, emphasized deep Mexico–U.S. economic integration, noted strong support from U.S. businesses, and said she would not engage in a public debate with Trump.
- Economists describe Trump’s comments as a pressure tactic ahead of talks, noting any U.S. exit is legally possible with six months’ notice but would be politically and economically costly and likely resisted by industry.
- Canadian media report Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Beijing to meet Xi Jinping as Ottawa explores diplomatic and economic options while uncertainty over the pact’s future rises.