The premier of Canada’s largest province wants the country to negotiate its own trade agreement with the US, unless Mexico aligns itself with its North American partners on Chinese imports.

OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford says if Mexico continues to be a “backdoor” for Chinese goods, Canada and the U.S. should think about forging a bilateral trade deal. Canada, the U.S. and Mexico ratified a three-way trade deal in 2020 that is up for review in 2026.

China and Mexico economic relations are thriving, with bilateral trade reaching US$100.2 billion in 2023. China is Mexico’s second-largest trading partner, and the trade dynamic continues to expand despite challenges posed by US trade policies.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said American concerns about Mexico’s trade policy not being in line with its North American allies on China are “legitimate,” and she shares them.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says she shares Washington's concerns about whether Mexico is "aligned" with Canada and the U.S. on trade policy — specifically when it comes to China.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said she shares concerns voiced by counterparts in the United States about Mexico ’s trade practices when it comes to Chinese imports. “I think those are legitimate concerns for our American partners and neighbours to have,