Minister Ng speaks with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Clouthier

December 17, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, spoke with Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy.

Minister Ng and Secretary Clouthier underscored the importance of economic relations between Canada and Mexico, anchored in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and the need to work together to drive a strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

They discussed the two countries’ common objective of increasing North American competitiveness, as well as shared challenges, including the United States’ proposed tax credits for electric vehicles in the Build Back Better bill. Minister Ng reiterated that she has deep concerns about the proposed electric vehicle provisions and highlighted the steps that Canada has taken to defend its auto industry and workers, including outlining retaliatory options should the United States proceed with discriminatory measures.

The minister also noted that Canada would continue working closely with Mexico to address the U.S. reinterpretation of CUSMA rules of origin for autos, including in the context of CUSMA dispute settlement consultations.

The minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the full implementation of CUSMA and the importance of maintaining open, resilient supply chains that will increase North American competitiveness. 

Associated links

• Minister Ng and Team Canada delegation advocate for Canadian workers and industry in Washington, D.C.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Mexico Andrés Manuel López Obrador
• Minister Ng speaks with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy on first anniversary of Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
• Minister Ng speaks with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy
• Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement