Mexico will not negotiate a free trade agreement with China, Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard said.
This decision signals a strategic commitment to North American integration at a time of shifting global trade dynamics. By rejecting a deal with Beijing, Mexico aims to avoid friction with its largest trading partner and ensure the stability of its existing regional agreements.
During a virtual press conference from Mexico City on July 2, 2026, Ebrard said, "Mexico no contempla negociar un tratado de libre comercio con China." He said that the government's current focus is to consolidate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as the USMCA.
The administration is prioritizing the defense of its economic interests within the North American bloc. Ebrard said, "Nuestra prioridad es fortalecer y defender la posición de México en su principal mercado: Estados Unidos."
This focus on the USMCA comes amid broader regional discussions regarding the longevity of the pact. Canada previously proposed extending the USMCA for 16 years [1] to provide long-term certainty for investors and manufacturers.
By centering its commercial strategy on the USMCA, Mexico seeks to strengthen its position in the U.S. market. The government is focusing on reinforcing existing trade ties rather than opening new treaties with distant economic powers, a move intended to secure the country's role in the North American supply chain.
“"Mexico no contempla negociar un tratado de libre comercio con China."”
Mexico's refusal to enter a trade pact with China is a calculated move to maintain favor with the U.S. as the USMCA faces future reviews. By aligning closely with Washington and Ottawa, Mexico is betting that the benefits of nearshoring and North American integration outweigh the potential gains of a direct trade deal with the world's second-largest economy.
