Mexico Pushes for Trade Deal With US Before Midterm Elections

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday that her administration is making every effort to conclude a trade agreement with the United States soon, describing a midweek call with US President Donald Trump as highly productive.

"We are doing everything we can, within the framework of sovereignty, respect, and what is best for Mexico, to reach a deal soon," Sheinbaum told reporters at her daily news conference. She said some understandings had been reached during Wednesday's conversation but did not elaborate.

The two countries are aiming to finalise a bilateral trade deal ahead of US midterm elections on November 3. Although no formal deadline has been set, officials on both sides see political advantages in sealing an agreement before voters go to the polls, when Trump's Republican Party risks losing its congressional majority. A deal would allow both leaders to present a tangible win amid domestic political pressures.

The renewed push follows the collapse of US-Canada trade talks last month, which sparked a retaliatory tariff dispute. Sheinbaum indicated that Mexico will press for lower US tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminium and automobiles as part of the negotiations.