Mexico’s president noncommittal about coming to Canada for G7 summit

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is considering an invitation from the Canadian government to attend the G7 leaders’ summit in Alberta next month. She expressed uncertainty about meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump if she decides to go, as Canada-Mexico relations have been strained due to ongoing trade disputes.

The summit, hosted by Canada, provides an opportunity for world leaders to engage in discussions on pressing global issues. Prime Minister Mark Carney has hinted at discussing tariffs with Trump at the meeting, potentially involving Sheinbaum in a three-way meeting, marking a significant development in trilateral talks.

Mexico’s economy minister, Marcelo Ebrar, anticipates an early start to the review of the trilateral Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), in contrast to Carney’s more cautious approach of addressing bilateral issues with the U.S. first. The border tariffs imposed by the U.S. have been a point of contention, with Carney emphasizing the need for tariff relief before revisiting CUSMA talks.

Carney’s recent visit to Washington has paved the way for ongoing discussions between Canadian and U.S. officials to resolve trade disputes. The president’s approach of levying tariffs as a means to address border security concerns has been met with resistance from Canada, with Carney highlighting the importance of the U.S. auto sector’s reliance on Canadian imports.

Despite calls for a bilateral trade deal between Canada and the U.S., Carney remains committed to a trilateral agreement involving Mexico. He has engaged in discussions with Sheinbaum to deepen bilateral relations and uphold the significance of the USMCA for all three nations.

As the decision looms on whether Sheinbaum will attend the G7 summit, the focus remains on navigating the complexities of international trade relations and fostering cooperation among North American partners. The evolving dynamics between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. underscore the importance of diplomatic engagement and strategic dialogue in addressing shared challenges and opportunities.