In a context marked by escalating global trade tensions, the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE) presented the dossier ” Mexico and the New Order of International Trade: Leadership in Times of Global Disruption ,” which seeks to strengthen the country’s leadership in the face of the challenges facing international trade.
The document, presented by Susana Duque Roquero , director general of Comce, offers analytical tools focused on supporting companies, decision-makers, and public policy leaders in addressing the new challenges of the global environment.
“We are in a time of redefining rules, where protectionism and geopolitical competition require a structured response. This dossier outlines courses of action to strengthen export capacities, defend the country’s commercial interests, and take advantage of investment and relocation opportunities,” said Susana Duque.
For his part, Sergio Contreras , executive president of the National Commission for Economic Cooperation and Development (COMCE), stated that Mexico must act with vision to strengthen its international leadership. He emphasized that the country exported $617 billion in 2024 , 89% of which was manufactured goods, and that it is the ninth largest destination for foreign direct investment in the world.
In his presentation, Víctor Rojas , Director of Commercial and Institutional Banking at BBVA México in the United States, highlighted that Mexico has established itself as a global platform for trade and investment thanks to its network of treaties, location, infrastructure, and talent. He emphasized that the presentation of the dossier reflects a shared commitment among governments, companies, and institutions to strengthen North America as a dynamic, competitive, and resilient bloc.
Challenges of the USMCA
During the event, the North American Committee Dialogue panel was held , where international trade specialists analyzed the challenges and opportunities facing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the current context, marked by the tariffs imposed by the United States.
Antonio Ortiz-Mena , president of the USMCA Technical Committee of the Comce, stressed that the review of the trade agreement should focus on reducing uncertainty , as was done during the negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and noted the need for Mexico and Canada to act together to demand compliance by the United States with what was agreed upon.
Kenneth Smith, president of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Committee of the Comce, emphasized the integration of productive clusters among the three countries as one of the main strengths of the T-MEC, and suggested activating the dispute settlement chapter if the United States does not withdraw in the coming weeks the tariffs imposed against Mexico, which violate the treaty.
Armando Ortega , president of the Mexico-Canada Bilateral Committee of the Comce, proposed improving connectivity between Mexico and Canadathrough rail and maritime infrastructure, in order to diversify routes and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.
The event concluded with a presentation by María de Haas of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , who called for a review of the USMCA based on five pillars : compliance, sustainability, modernization, inclusion, and resilience. She emphasized that Mexico must lead this process alongside the United States, Canada, the private sector, and academia.
Last May, Secretary of State Marcelo Ebrard emphasized that the USMCA review process would begin in late September or early October and that it would be crucial to assess compliance with the commitments established in the trilateral trade agreement.
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