Former Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo recommended that incoming Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard revive the 'cuarto de junto' strategy ahead of the 2026 TMEC review. This government-private sector collaboration tool was crucial in the 2018 TLCAN renegotiation. Guajardo warns of risks from a Trump cabinet acting as an 'echo chamber'.
Ildefonso Guajardo, who led the TLCAN renegotiation from 2017 to 2018 as Economy Secretary under Enrique Peña Nieto, shared his insights in an interview with El Financiero. During that process, the United States imposed tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum under Section 232 in June 2018, which Mexico countered with duties on 71 U.S. products, such as pork and whiskey, on June 5, 2018, per a decree in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
The deal closed hastily before Andrés Manuel López Obrador took office. Guajardo explained that the president-elect did not want to sign it to avoid responsibility, so Jesús Seade served as an observer. 'He did not want to be the one to sign the agreement because that would imply being responsible for all the issues in the agreement,' Guajardo recalled.
For the TMEC review in July 2026, Guajardo identifies challenges: a Trump cabinet lacking internal checks, weakened coordination between the Mexican government and private sector, and the blending of trade issues with migration, border security, and fentanyl trafficking. 'Trump is at a point where he believes he has to leave a legacy and stamp his vision on things. With a cabinet that does not necessarily help him reflect on his decisions, it is a cabinet of confirmation of what he wants to do,' he stated.
The 'cuarto de junto,' a permanent consultation space with business leaders, enabled effective lobbying in Washington during past talks. Guajardo calls for its revival to influence U.S. allies and counter potential tariffs. Recently, Mexico and Canada have seen positive developments, such as Democratic wins in key states and judicial challenges to Trump's tariffs, leading to reductions on coffee and tropical fruits, acknowledging their inflationary impact in the United States.
Nevertheless, Guajardo stresses that the TMEC must preserve its free trade essence without quotas, and the review should not start with punitive measures.