Mexico City: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday for a landmark visit, aiming to revive and reinforce ties with Mexico at a time when both nations face renewed uncertainty over U.S. tariff policies and the upcoming review of the North American trade pact. This marks the first Canadian prime ministerial visit to Mexico in eight years, underscoring the urgency of closer cooperation.
During talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, both leaders pledged to deepen bilateral relations across economic, trade, and security domains. The discussions centered on preparing a united front ahead of the 2026 review of the U.S. Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), a process expected to shape the future of North American trade. Carney emphasized that Canada and Mexico share “a responsibility and opportunity” to ensure regional competitiveness, stating that adjustments to the trade pact should be seen as tools for growth rather than obstacles.
The timing of Carney’s outreach reflects growing unease over Washington’s tariff threats, which have previously strained trilateral relations. In past trade disputes, Canadian leaders had considered negotiating separately with the United States, a move that raised concerns in Mexico. Carney, however, has signaled that his government is committed to solidarity with Mexico, recognizing that a stronger partnership can counterbalance American pressure and amplify their joint bargaining power.
Beyond trade, the leaders explored avenues for closer collaboration in security and defense. Issues such as border management, transnational crime, and broader regional stability featured prominently in discussions. Both Carney and Sheinbaum agreed that modern challenges demand a wider scope of cooperation, positioning security ties alongside economic interests as a pillar of their renewed alliance.
Economically, Canada and Mexico see untapped potential in their relationship. While both nations count the United States as their largest trading partner, their direct trade with one another has lagged far behind. Carney acknowledged this imbalance but expressed confidence that the next three decades will bring significant growth in bilateral trade and investment. Sheinbaum echoed this optimism, stressing that expanding economic ties between Mexico and Canada would not only benefit both nations but also strengthen North America as a whole.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment, with businesses and policymakers across the region closely watching how U.S. tariff policies will evolve. For Carney, reinforcing Canada’s bond with Mexico is both a strategic necessity and a symbolic gesture – signaling that Ottawa values partnership and balance in North American diplomacy. For Mexico, it represents an opportunity to diversify alliances and build resilience in the face of external economic pressures.
As the USMCA review looms, Canada and Mexico appear intent on demonstrating that unity, rather than fragmentation, will best serve their future. Carney’s visit is more than diplomatic routine; it is a message to Washington that North America’s secondary partners are prepared to strengthen each other as they navigate uncertain trade winds.