CIUDAD DE MÉXICO — Mexico and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and security cooperation , ahead of a review this year of the trade agreement between the two nations and the United States, which has been strained by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs against key trading partners.
The pledge came following a meeting between Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard and his Canadian counterpart, Dominic LeBlanc, who began a visit to Mexico accompanied by a delegation of several hundred business leaders. The visit underscores a growing alignment between Ottawa and Mexico City as they navigate a challenging economic landscape shaped by Washington’s protectionist policies.
LeBlanc’s visit follows a meeting in Mexico City in September 2025 between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where they outlined a plan of action to bolster bilateral cooperation. That meeting signaled a deliberate effort to deepen ties in the face of escalating trade tensions with the U.S.
Mexico is Canada’s third-largest trading partner, after the United States and China. Canada was Mexico’s fifth-largest trading partner in 2024. However, trade with the United States remains paramount for both countries, and the continuation of the trilateral trade agreement – the USMCA – is a crucial issue for the governments of Sheinbaum and Carney. The USMCA, intended to replace NAFTA, has been repeatedly challenged by Trump’s administration through the imposition of tariffs and threats of withdrawal.
During the meeting in the Mexican capital, the Canadian Minister of Finance and Commerce affirmed that both countries must prepare for the “difficult moments that await us in the 21st century,” adding that “we can do much more in trade, in investment and in security.” This statement reflects a shared recognition of the need to diversify economic relationships and enhance security collaboration in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
LeBlanc advocated for strengthening the relationship between the security agencies and military organizations of both countries to ensure information sharing. “If we want investments and businesses to continue to grow, they need to see the government working on priorities like that (security),” he said, highlighting the importance of a stable and secure environment for attracting foreign investment.
Ebrard indicated that including security in discussions between the two governments could be “healthy” and “intelligent,” and reiterated that Mexico’s priority is to radically curb the trafficking of arms. This acknowledgement of shared security concerns signals a willingness to address transnational crime as a key component of the bilateral relationship. The flow of illegal weapons from the United States into Mexico has long been a source of friction between the two countries, fueling cartel violence and undermining security efforts.
The meeting between the ministers and Canadian business representatives comes weeks after the abduction of ten Mexican miners working for the Canadian company Vizsla Silver in a mine in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, where a brutal war has been raging since September 2024 between two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. The bodies of five of the ten miners were located last week. This incident underscores the security challenges facing foreign companies operating in Mexico and the need for enhanced cooperation to protect citizens and investments.
In September 2025, Mexican and Canadian authorities presented a plan of action for 2025-2028, which contemplates greater coordination in the field of cybersecurity and collaboration for the location, prosecution and transfer of “priority targets,” including extradition processes. This plan represents a concrete step towards strengthening law enforcement cooperation and addressing transnational criminal networks.
The deepening ties between Canada and Mexico are occurring against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions with the United States. In February 2025, President Trump imposed near-universal tariffs on goods from both countries, with rates of 25 percent on most imports from Mexico and all imports from Canada except oil and energy, which were taxed at 10 percent. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on CA$30 billion (US$20.6 billion) of American goods, with the potential to expand to CA$155 billion (US$106 billion). Mexico also threatened to enact tariffs and non-tariff retaliation. While some tariffs on goods compliant with the USMCA were later exempted, the trade war continues to cast a shadow over North American economic relations.
The increased cooperation between Canada and Mexico is not merely a response to U.S. Trade policies, but also reflects a broader strategic alignment. Both countries recognize the importance of diversifying their economic partnerships and strengthening regional stability. By working together, Canada and Mexico aim to build a more resilient and prosperous North America, capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st century.
Trade between Canada and Mexico was valued at C$56 billion (US$40.5 billion; £30 billion) in 2024, and both countries are seeking to boost trade further. The new partnership aims to expand and deepen this relationship, fostering greater investment and economic integration. The long-term implications of this strengthened partnership remain to be seen, but it represents a significant development in the evolving geopolitical landscape of North America.
