Trump and Sheinbaum discuss U.S.–Mexico trade deal

U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a phone call on Wednesday, as Washington and Mexico City continue negotiations on trade issues ahead of the review of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026, Politico reported.

According to a person familiar with the call, the phone conversation was “prickly” and several new issues were raised during it. On the other hand, a U.S. official described the discussion as “constructive” and denied that the conversation had gone badly.

The bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico have focused on several important issues, including the vehicle, steel and aluminum sectors, agriculture, labor policies and economic security.

Mexican officials have expressed confidence that the two countries are approaching an agreement on several of the remaining outstanding issues. The bilateral discussions take place ahead of the broader review of the USMCA, which also includes Canada.

The USMCA entered into force in 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The last official round of U.S.–Mexico negotiations took place in Mexico City in July, between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard. Both sides described the talks as constructive and agreed to continue negotiations.

The next round is scheduled for September 28 and 29 in Washington, after the meeting was postponed by one week.

Meanwhile, Trump declared on Thursday that the U.S. was “very close” to reaching a “great” trade deal with Mexico, according to Mexican media.