Archive · 24 Sep 2026
US-Mexico Trade Talks Delayed as Tariff Disputes Continue
Mexico and the United States were planning another meeting about trade.
That meeting has been delayed and may happen in October instead.
Mexico wants the United States to lower taxes on its steel, aluminium and cars.
Mexican steel and aluminium currently face a 50% tariff, while cars face a 25% tariff.
The United States wants cars made in North America to use more parts from the region.
It also wants Mexico to reduce dependence on Chinese investment and parts.
Officials are still discussing the issues every day.
The talks are connected to a larger review of the North American trade agreement.
The list of topics has grown from 54 to almost 90.
The fourth round of US-Mexico trade talks has been postponed, potentially until October.
Mexico is seeking lower US tariffs on steel, aluminium and automobiles.
Mexican steel and aluminium exports face 50% tariffs, while automobiles face a 25% duty.
Washington wants more North American content in vehicles and tighter limits on Chinese investment and components.
The negotiating agenda has expanded from 54 issues to nearly 90, including digital platform regulation.
- Who
- Officials from Mexico and the United States, including Mexican Deputy Economy Minister Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, are negotiating.
- What
- The fourth round of bilateral trade talks has been postponed as the countries discuss tariffs, automotive rules and Chinese investment.
- When
- The next formal talks will not take place next week and may move to October; the previous round occurred in July.
- Where
- The negotiations concern trade between Mexico and the United States and are linked to North American supply chains.
- Why
- Mexico wants relief from US tariffs, while the United States seeks greater North American automotive content and reduced reliance on Chinese inputs.
Mexico's Position
United States' Position
Tariffs
Mexico's Position
Mexico wants lower US tariffs on steel, aluminium and automobiles, arguing that the duties disadvantage its exporters.
United States' Position
The United States continues to impose the tariffs under Section 232 on national-security grounds.
Automotive content
Mexico's Position
Mexico is seeking tariff relief as part of the broader trade discussions.
United States' Position
Washington wants vehicles to contain more US and North American content and fewer components sourced from outside the region.
Chinese investment and inputs
Mexico's Position
Mexico is participating in discussions while indicating it is prepared to increase imports from the United States.
United States' Position
The United States wants Mexico to reduce reliance on Chinese investment and components to strengthen regional supply chains.
- Delayed talks
- The fourth round is postponed and may take place in October.
- Steel and aluminium tariff
- Mexican exports currently face a 50% US tariff.
- Automobile tariff
- Mexican automobiles currently face a 25% US duty.
- Mexico's priority
- Reducing Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium and automobiles.
- US priorities
- More US and North American content in vehicles, plus limits on Chinese investment and components.
- Negotiating agenda
- The list of issues has grown from 54 to nearly 90, including digital platform regulation.
- Related agreement
- The talks are taking place alongside the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.