Sheinbaum and Carney unite to strengthen North American trade pact

The two leaders met in Mexico City on Thursday, holding a private session at the National Palace before announcing a joint “action plan” at a press conference. The plan includes working groups and constant dialogue aimed at reinforcing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), known in Spanish as T-MEC.

“We are optimistic despite the circumstances”, Sheinbaum said, pointing to the depth of economic integration between the three nations. “This plan of action opens a new stage in which we strengthen even further the economic, social and cultural ties that unite us”. Carney echoed her stance, stressing that the joint initiative would complement the upcoming treaty review and help bolster regional competitiveness.

The timing of the announcement comes amid heightened tensions with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has reintroduced tariff measures and questioned whether the trade deal truly benefits his country. In response, Sheinbaum insisted Mexico would defend its sovereignty while keeping a “cool head” in negotiations. Critics at home, however, argue that her government has already given too much ground to the White House, particularly on security cooperation.

Analysts note that Sheinbaum faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining Mexico’s most important commercial partnership with its northern neighbour while avoiding domestic backlash. With the consultation process for the 2026 renegotiation now formally under way, all three governments will soon face the challenge of updating a trade deal that underpins nearly £1.2 trillion in annual regional trade.