Marcelo Ebrard, secretary of Economy, assured that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) will survive and efforts are underway to perfect it for greater fairness to Mexico. At a regional consultation in Mexico City, Ebrard emphasized minimal changes and highlighted investment opportunities from his recent Asia visit. Mexico City head of Government, Clara Brugada, proposed collaborations for an economy focused on dignified and sustainable jobs.
Marcelo Ebrard participated this Monday in the T-MEC regional consultation in Mexico City, held at the old City Hall with head of Government Clara Brugada. The secretary of Economy stated that the treaty 'will survive' and is 'perfectible,' aiming for a more favorable framework for Mexico without adding chapters unless indispensable.
Ebrard detailed that the federal government and Senate will establish negotiation postulates next January ahead of the 2026 review. So far, 28 regional consultations have been conducted, with four more pending to cover all 32 entities in the country. A recurring theme in these sessions is the asymmetry in treaty application, such as U.S. tariffs under Section 232, U.S. agricultural subsidies, and the rapid labor mechanism applied only to Mexico.
The official stressed that Mexico does not seek to renegotiate from scratch but to perfect the agreement with minimal changes to ensure equity. 'Will we get something better? To some degree. We can't impose everything we want, but we'll achieve something. Without a doubt,' Ebrard affirmed.
In the context of his recent visit to South Korea and participation in the APEC forum, Ebrard highlighted a 'giant opportunity' for Mexico in investments driven by nearshoring and Asia ties. Mexico was designated host of the APEC Leaders' Summit 2028 by unanimous decision, reflecting confidence in the country as a platform for production and export to North America. He exemplified with the pharmaceutical sector: The U.S. imports $237 billion in drugs, but Mexico exports only $1.6 billion, compared to $49 billion from Ireland.
For her part, Clara Brugada expressed willingness to build joint proposals with the federal government, focused on an economy generating dignified, well-paid jobs with companies committed to the environment. She proposed a meeting between public and private universities to discuss economic needs of Mexico City and the country.
Ebrard emphasized the need for preparation through educational, digital, and productive modernization to capitalize on these opportunities, identifying over 70 sectors with high potential, such as semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.