Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he discussed Chinese investments in Mexico with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum amid concerns that Chinese imports into North America may harm trade between allies.
“There are questions and concerns around some Chinese investments in Mexico, things that I highlighted directly with the Mexican president, but I also pledged that we’re going to be there to work to ensure that North American trade continues to stay strong and beneficial to all our citizens, including on protecting the integrity of North American markets,” Trudeau said at a
Nov. 19 press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he is attending the 2024 G20 Leaders’ Summit.
A day earlier, Trudeau spoke with Sheinbaum for the first time since her October inauguration. The two leaders discussed economic security and the Canada–United States–Mexico (CUSMA) agreement, according to a
press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
CUSMA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020 and was a deal negotiated during Donald Trump’s first term as U.S. president. Trump, now U.S. president-elect, has pledged to revisit the agreement when it comes up for review in 2026.
Trudeau’s remark followed calls from two provincial premiers to exclude Mexico from the CUSMA deal over concerns that Mexico has become a transit hub for Chinese goods entering Canada and the United States, despite efforts by both countries to restrict Chinese imports.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
said last week that Canada should focus on a bilateral trade deal with the United States if Mexico doesn’t align on restricting Chinese vehicles, auto parts, and other goods. In October, Ottawa imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles and a 25 percent surtax on steel and aluminum products—measures that mirror similar U.S. tariffs introduced in May.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Ford’s concerns about Chinese investment in Mexico,
calling for a “Canada-first approach” on her province-wide radio call-in program on Nov. 16.
Trudeau said he had a “good and frank conversation” with Sheinbaum, highlighting public concerns raised about the Chinese investments.
“I also know that Mexico is dedicated to continuing in this extraordinarily successful trade deal, and I think the Mexican administration is looking at ways of either adjusting or sharing why people shouldn’t be worried about these [Chinese] investments,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland was asked on Nov. 19 at a press conference whether Canada would consider trade talks without Mexico.
“The key fact for Canada is the strength of our trading relationship with the United States. It’s really important for Canada. It’s also really important for the United States,” Freeland said at
a press conference on an unrelated issue on Parliament Hill.
“At heart, for us, is the Canada–U.S. partnership. We have always recognized that, and that continues to be the case today.”
