Vancouver, Canada – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai met late yesterday with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Tatiana Clouthier. The meeting was held in Vancouver, Canada, where the two ministers were taking part in events related to the second meeting of the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) Free Trade Commission.
Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Mexico economic relationship and reiterated their commitment to a full implementation of the USMCA, including the Agreement’s prohibition on the importation of goods made with forced labor.
Ambassador Tai raised ongoing concerns about the investment climate in Mexico, including Mexico’s energy policies that continue to threaten U.S. investment and damage Mexico’s efforts to address climate change. She discussed Mexico’s treatment of U.S. investors impacting important manufacturing operations in the southeastern United States and the importance of sound and transparent regulatory practices, including a science- and risk-based regulatory approval process for agricultural biotechnology products in Mexico.
Ambassador Tai also highlighted the importance of U.S. electronic payment services companies being able to fully participate in Mexico’s market. Lastly, the ministers also discussed the ongoing consultations under the USMCA Environment Chapter regarding Mexico’s enforcement of its fisheries-related environmental laws and reiterated their shared interest in the successful implementation of Mexico’s historic labor reforms.
Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier agreed to stay in regular communication and directed their deputies to report to them regularly on these issues.
