Mexico is Trade Deal Before Nov Mid Term in US

[ABS News Service/14.09.2026]

Mexico and the United States are racing to reach a bilateral trade deal before the US midterm elections in less than eight weeks, according to six sources in both countries familiar with the talks, an effort made more urgent by the collapse of Canadian negotiations with Washington, Reuters news service reported.

“We both ?want to reach a deal before the midterms,” said one Mexico-based source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private talks. The negotiations are aimed at striking an interim bilateral bargain under which Mexico could win relief from some US tariffs while addressing US demands on areas including automotive content and Chinese investment.

While no formal deadline exists, officials in both countries see political benefits in reaching a deal before the November 3 elections when US President Donald Trump's Republican Party risks losing control of Congress. An accord would enable both leaders to tout a win as they face domestic political challenges.

“Time is of the essence for the Mexican government,” said the Mexican source, citing concerns over a weak economy and falling credit ratings on its debt. The source added that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, which this week presented its 2027 budget, views a US trade deal as critical to reassuring markets and investors.

A spokesperson for Mexico's economy ministry said, “There are no specific deadlines at this time,” stressing the government's ongoing commitment to dialogue with Washington.

The US Trade Representative and White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Mexican source described the country's approach as “play nice and continue to cooperate.” Mexico sends more than 80 percent of its exports to its northern neighbor.

Reflecting the intensified pace, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met virtually with Sheinbaum on Thursday about trade.

The meeting, originally scheduled in person, came less than two weeks after Sheinbaum proposed legislation giving the government new powers to review and block foreign acquisitions of Mexican companies.

· Donald Trump made a surprise announcement that he was removing US tariffs on Irish whiskey as he brought his two-day visit to Ireland to a close on Sunday, DPA reported.

On Sunday the President, wearing a white baseball cap with USA written on the front, presented the Irish Open trophy to winner Shane Lowry from Co Offaly. He told the crowd he had discussed whiskey tariffs with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and with golfer Lowry.

He said: “Everybody's been bugging me. They are saying would you do me a favor? It's so unfair what's going on.”