Mexico launched its largest-ever trade mission to Canada in May 2024 [4], conducting more than 1,800 business meetings [2] to boost commerce.

The surge in diplomatic and commercial activity comes as Mexico seeks to secure Canada as a core partner in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This strategy aims to protect the trilateral pact against concerns that the U.S. might abandon the agreement.

The delegation included the Mexican Secretary of Economy and representatives from more than 240 Mexican businesses [1]. The mission visited three major Canadian hubs: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver [3]. During these visits, Mexican officials met with Canadian leaders, including Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Quebec envoy Louis Blais [3].

These meetings occurred ahead of the July 1, 2024, deadline for the CUSMA review [3]. The review process is intended to evaluate the effectiveness of the trade deal and determine if it should be extended.

While the mission focused on cooperation, conflicting reports emerged regarding U.S. perceptions of the talks. Louis Blais said some U.S. officials believe Canada is dragging its feet in the process [3]. Conversely, Dominic LeBlanc said the Americans do not believe Canada is dragging its feet [3].

Despite these differing accounts, Mexican officials emphasized that Canada remains fundamental to the stability of the regional trade framework. The record size of the mission suggests a shift toward diversifying and deepening bilateral dependencies to insulate the region from potential U.S. policy shifts.

“Mexico launched its largest-ever trade mission to Canada”

By intensifying bilateral ties with Canada, Mexico is attempting to create a unified front with its northern partner. This hedge reduces Mexico's vulnerability to unilateral U.S. trade pressures and ensures that the CUSMA framework remains viable even if negotiations with the U.S. become volatile.