Official announcements from Canadian and U.S. trade departments

Ford Proposes Canada-U.S. Deal, Excluding Mexico Due to Chinese Auto Imports

Nov 12, 2024, 05:30 PM

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has raised concerns over Mexico's role in allowing Chinese imports, including cars and auto parts, to enter North American markets, labeling it a 'backdoor' for these goods. Ford's statements suggest that Mexico should align its tariffs on Chinese imports with those of Canada and the U.S., or face potential exclusion from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He proposes that Canada negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the U.S., which would exclude Mexico unless it addresses the issue of Chinese imports. This move is seen as an attempt to protect Canadian and American workers from the influx of cheap Chinese products, particularly in the auto sector. Ford's comments come in the context of BYD, a Chinese company, planning to open a plant in Mexico, which could exacerbate the issue. He also mentioned that Mexico should not have access to the largest economy in the world if it does not comply with these demands, especially with the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.