Story perspectives

Trump, Sheinbaum Agree on Next U.S.-Mexico Trade Talks

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 2:02 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Pre midterm political boost

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Wednesday to discuss a trade agreement as part of ongoing negotiations.
The call produced some agreements, though specifics were not disclosed, Sheinbaum said.
Washington will host the next round of U.S.-Mexico trade talks on September 28-29.
Both governments see a pre-midterm deal as politically advantageous for upcoming elections.

Left

Tariff Relief Push

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Wednesday to discuss a possible trade agreement.
Cutting U.S. tariffs, Sheinbaum said, is essential to protect Mexican industries and jobs from Trump’s steep import taxes.
Mexico aims for tariff relief on steel, aluminium and automotive goods.
Sheinbaum noted about 80% of Mexico’s exports go to the United States, highlighting trade dependence.

Blindspot

Both the Mexican and U.S. governments see securing a trade deal before the November 3 U.S. midterm elections as politically advantageous, according to the Center-leaning sources.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

NAFTA, signed by Canada, Mexico and United States, took effect on 1 January 1994, removing tariffs on over half of Mexico’s exports to the U.S. and adding labor and environmental side accords under President Clinton. The agreement defined North-American trade for decades until USMCA replaced it in 2020. Today, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s call with President Donald Trump seeks aluminium tariff relief before the 3 November midterms, reflecting legacy.

1 of 4

Pre midterm political boost

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Wednesday to discuss a trade agreement as part of ongoing negotiations.
The call produced some agreements, though specifics were not disclosed, Sheinbaum said.
Washington will host the next round of U.S.-Mexico trade talks on September 28-29.
Both governments see a pre-midterm deal as politically advantageous for upcoming elections.

1 / 4