PHOENIX – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai yesterday met with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro ahead of the fourth meeting of the United States–Mexico–Canada (USMCA) Free Trade Commission (FTC).
Throughout the meeting, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Buenrostro emphasized the close economic relationship between the United States and Mexico and the importance of cooperation under the USMCA.
Ambassador Tai and Secretary Buenrostro discussed shared priorities on labor issues, including on the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism and the implementation of the USMCA commitment related to prohibiting imports produced with forced labor. They also acknowledged the importance of the implementation of USMCA FTC Decision Number 5 to enhance coordination and consultation to support maintaining North American trade flows in emergency situations.
The ministers also agreed to expand bilateral collaboration to address unfair non-market policies and practices that undermine the USMCA and harm U.S. and Mexican workers.
During the meeting, Ambassador Tai emphasized the importance of making progress in the USMCA consultations regarding certain Mexican energy measures, and regarding Mexico’s enforcement of certain fisheries-related environmental laws under the USMCA Environment Chapter. Ambassador Tai also expressed continued concerns about competition in Mexico’s telecommunications market, including with respect to its spectrum fee methodology. Ambassador Tai and Secretary Buenrostro also discussed persistent problems in steel and aluminum trade with Mexico.
Ambassador Tai and Secretary Buenrostro agreed to continue to work together to address these issues and other shared priorities to advance North American economic competitiveness.
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