President Claudia Sheinbaum scheduled a meeting with U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer to discuss proposed tariffs on Mexican goods.
The meeting aimed to counter alarmist narratives and maintain a diplomatic dialogue as both nations navigate trade tensions under the USMCA framework. The talks were intended to take place at the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City on Wednesday.
Sheinbaum sought to address the United States' proposed tariff scheme, specifically referencing Section 301 [2]. This policy framework has been used to target a broad range of international trade partners, with reports indicating the U.S. tariff proposal targets 60 countries [1].
Despite the scheduling, reports indicate the meeting was cancelled following a telephone call from President Trump. The cancellation highlights the volatility of current trade negotiations and the direct influence of the U.S. executive branch on diplomatic schedules.
Mexico continues to emphasize the importance of the USMCA, known in Mexico as T-MEC, to ensure economic stability. The administration intends to keep communication lines open with Washington to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs on the Mexican economy.
Sheinbaum said the objective of the interaction was to clarify Mexico's position regarding the new tariff policies coming from Washington. By seeking a direct meeting with Greer, the Mexican government attempted to stabilize market expectations and prevent diplomatic escalation.
“The meeting aimed to counter alarmist narratives and maintain a diplomatic dialogue.”
The cancellation of the meeting suggests that trade negotiations are currently being driven by high-level political directives from the U.S. White House rather than standard bureaucratic channels. By invoking Section 301, the U.S. is signaling a willingness to use aggressive trade levers, placing Mexico in a defensive position as it attempts to protect its exports under the USMCA.
