Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard stated that the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) is progressing positively and is expected to conclude around July 1, 2026. During the January 15 morning press conference, Ebrard emphasized the professional dialogue with counterparts and the goal of strengthening the trade deal. He also revealed that Mexico's automotive industry pays an average of less than 13% in tariffs to the United States due to investments in North American components.
On January 15, 2026, during the presidential morning press conference, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Economy Secretary, outlined progress in the review of the T-MEC, the trade agreement governing economic ties between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. "We have a positive and very professional dialogue; we are practically in weekly contact," Ebrard declared regarding conversations with U.S. trade representatives.
Ebrard announced that consultation reports will be delivered before the end of January, aiming for the review to conclude around July 1. "Both countries are about to deliver the report of the consultation we conducted; we are advancing on it. That is what we agreed with the United States and Canada; we are on time and on track," he explained. The main goal is to reduce uncertainty in the treaty's implementation and maximize benefits for the Mexican economy, ensuring the T-MEC continues and strengthens.
In the context of U.S.-imposed tariffs, Ebrard assured that Mexico's automotive industry has adapted production to minimize impacts. Despite an additional 25% tariff, companies pay an average of less than 13% due to discounts for complying with T-MEC origin rules through North American-made components. "Most companies comply with T-MEC origin rules with components manufactured in North America," he noted.
Mexico's automotive exports to the United States in 2025 ended with a smaller-than-expected decline of around 3%. For 2026, no sharp drop is foreseen, as 85% of Mexican exports operate under T-MEC rules. Mexico seeks tariff reductions in the review for vehicles with lower regional content to compete on equal terms with products from Japan, South Korea, or Germany.
These statements come amid tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the T-MEC. During a visit to a Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan, Trump stated: "It has no real advantage; it's irrelevant. Canada would love it. Canada wants it, they need it." Trump has insisted on concentrating automotive production in the United States, increasing pressure on the negotiations.
