Mexico’s top trade negotiator, Marcelo Ebrard, expressed optimism that his country can secure less burdensome tariff terms from the US on automobile and steel exports, mirroring revised measures being discussed with Canada. “Although not everything is exactly the same, I believe we’re going to achieve similar results,” Ebrard said, referring to the so‑called Section 232 tariffs that currently hit steel, aluminum and auto imports. Representatives from the US and Canada are considering limiting planned tariff relief, including a potential quota that would subject US imports from Canada above a certain level to the current 50% rate, while a reduction in US tariffs on Canadian automobiles from 25% to 15% is under discussion. Full terms of the overall deal remain unclear, though a Canadian concession to end a partial ban on sales of US wine and spirits appears critical for the Trump administration.

US President Donald Trump indicated the US is “starting on a new deal with Mexico, a much better deal,” without providing further detail. The talks come as Washington was set to begin collecting 50% levies on about $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, a move Trump later postponed by three days amid progress toward a deal.