Mexico is looking to slap duties as high as 50 per cent on a range of imports, including autos, from countries with which it does not have a free trade agreement—such as China.

(The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press)

Talking point: Mexico’s trade and investment ties with China have grown in recent years, which has increased pressure from the U.S. ahead of the review of the North American trade pact. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested Canada pursue its own bilateral deal with the U.S., accusing Mexico of being a “back door” for Chinese cars and parts. Chinese-made vehicles make up one-fifth of new car sales in Mexico, where the auto industry accounts for 23 per cent of manufacturing. “We have to protect it,” said Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been mending fences with President Claudia Sheinbaum, is set to visit Mexico next week.