Canada and Mexico are committed to renewing a key free trade agreement that benefits all North American countries, political leaders said Thursday at an event to kick off Mexico’s largest trade mission to Canada in recent history.
Commitment to Strengthen Economic Ties
Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada–U.S. trade, welcomed a delegation of Mexican business and political leaders led by Marcelo Ebrard, secretary of the economy, saying the moment is “urgent” for the two countries to expand economic collaboration.
“This collaboration offers enormous opportunities,” LeBlanc said in prepared remarks. “Opportunity not only to reaffirm the benefits of this trilateral agreement for all three countries, but to build on its foundations and ensure that it responds to the realities of today and the global challenges of the coming years.”
Ebrard’s visit will include meetings with LeBlanc about the upcoming review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which is set to begin in July.
Mexico Seeks Reliable Partners
In a speech, Ebrard said Mexico is looking for “reliable partners” with similar values, economic institutions and free trade agreements.
“We want to work very closely with Canada, not just this year, but the next 10, 20, or 50 years,” he said.
The delegation’s three-day trip includes stops in Toronto and Montreal, with representatives from more than 240 Mexican businesses in industries including agribusiness, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, electromobility, creative industries, education and investment funds.
Recent Diplomatic and Trade Exchanges
Canadian and Mexican officials have held several meetings over the last year. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum travelled to Kananaskis, Alta., for the G7 summit last June, while Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Mexico in September. In February, LeBlanc led one of Canada’s largest-ever trade missions — including 240 Canadian businesses and 370 delegates — to Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Mexico is Canada’s third-largest trading partner after the U.S. and China, with bilateral trade between the two countries reaching approximately $62 billion in 2024-’25, according to Global Affairs Canada.
