OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during his visit to Mexico, which begins today. This agreement will address various sectors, including infrastructure, trade, health, agriculture, emergency preparedness, and security, according to senior government officials.

Carney's two-day trip to Mexico City comes as Canada seeks to enhance trade relations with Mexico amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Both nations are also preparing for the renegotiation of the trade agreement that links Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. This visit follows an August trip by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who met with Canadian and Mexican business leaders to discuss economic growth and security.

During his visit, Carney will hold a one-on-one meeting with Sheinbaum, followed by a working lunch that includes Anand, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and Carney’s parliamentary secretary, Rachel Bendayan. Discussions will focus on collaboration to combat drug and firearm trafficking and other organized crime activities.

Solange Márquez, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Toronto, noted that both countries have been eager to rebuild their relationships with the U.S. and have shown limited interest in their bilateral ties. "We are seeing each other more like competitors than friends. Both countries are trying to get into the U.S. market, both countries are trying to be more friendly with the White House," she said.

The automotive sector is a significant area of competition, as the U.S. administration has implemented tariffs aimed at increasing domestic manufacturing. Tensions have also arisen from past comments regarding fentanyl trafficking, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau making statements that drew criticism from Sheinbaum.

Márquez indicated that Mexico's initial displeasure over these comments is now behind them. She believes Carney's visit is viewed positively in Mexico, as it signals a strengthening of relations. "For Sheinbaum, it’s a completely different relationship than the one with Trudeau. They understand each other very well," she said.

Officials from both governments have described the relationship as "positive" since Carney took office. They share a goal of increasing domestic production and enhancing economic resilience. However, Márquez emphasized the need for both leaders to establish clear objectives, particularly as they approach the renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade pact.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre recently criticized the Liberal government for not securing a bilateral trade deal with Mexico. However, the Carney administration clarified that it has never pursued a two-way deal with Mexico that excludes the U.S. Sheinbaum has stated that her discussions with Carney will not undermine the continental alliance, emphasizing the importance of strengthening trade with Canada.

The bilateral trading relationship is reportedly growing, with nearly $56 billion in two-way merchandise trade and $46.4 billion in direct investment in Mexico projected for 2024. Márquez noted that Carney will spend considerable time at the National Palace, indicating a commitment to understanding Mexico's position.

Sheinbaum expressed her expectation to collaborate with Carney on various topics, including enhancing trade through maritime routes. While both leaders have backgrounds in climate policy, Márquez does not anticipate climate change to be a primary focus of their discussions. Energy issues may arise, particularly regarding the importance of renewables and mining.

Additionally, Sheinbaum is navigating Mexico's relationship with China, having recently imposed tariffs on Chinese goods in response to U.S. pressure. Analysts have observed that Mexico has not yet reaped benefits from Washington following this policy shift.

Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. have not convened a North American leaders’ summit since January 2023. Although Ottawa was scheduled to host the next summit in 2024, it was postponed due to elections in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as political challenges faced by Trudeau. Senior officials have indicated that there are currently no plans for another summit, citing a lack of interest from all three nations.