A strategic extension
Mexico is experiencing one of the most complex and decisive international situations in its recent history. Never before has a U.S. administration subjected the bilateral relationship to such an aggressive and comprehensive review as the Trump administration has. And never before has Mexico taken on such an active, strategic, and technically sound role in defending its interests against the most powerful country in the world.
The extension granted to reach a new trade agreement in North America is not a mere waiting period. It is, in fact, a recognition of the seriousness of Mexico's position and an opportunity to fine-tune a strategy that transcends the current situation. Far from being a passive pause, this extension is a tactical move that allows Mexico to operate with greater room for maneuver on several fronts simultaneously.
First, economically and commercially, Mexico is in an enviable position: the majority of our exports to the United States continue to enter tariff-free, and those that do face barriers can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. This makes the country, de facto, the partner with the best access conditions to the U.S. market. Furthermore, the non-tariff measures that Mexico can propose—particularly in logistics, regulatory, or trade facilitation matters—take on strategic relevance for North America's common interests vis-à-vis third countries, especially China.
Second, this extension opens the door to a much broader cooperation agenda on issues ranging from security and migration to energy, public health, and the environment. Areas such as combating drug trafficking, managing migration flows, and the use of water resources along the border could be addressed with a more integrated approach, one that recognizes the structural interdependence between the two countries. If managed wisely, this new cycle of dialogue can translate into tangible improvements for both sides of the border.
Third, the strength with which Mexico has defended its position has raised its negotiating profile in the eyes of the world. Other countries watch with attention and respect how a developing nation is able to engage in firm, rational, and technical negotiations with the hemisphere's superpower. This image projected abroad is a diplomatic asset that can bear fruit in future bilateral or multilateral negotiations.
None of this means that uncertainty has disappeared. Nor can we expect a restoration of the old trade order. The Trump administration has made it clear that its goal is to redraw the rules of the game. But on this unstable board, Mexico has decided not to be a passive player. It has chosen to play intelligently, take advantage of the loopholes in the system to expand its scope for action, and, above all, act with a vision of state.
Faced with the confrontational logic that has characterized the White House, Mexico's response has been one of rationality, institutionality, and firmness. This attitude has not only contained the onslaught: it has allowed Mexico to maintain its presence, influence, and dignity in an extremely asymmetrical negotiation.
Today, while many nations react with bewilderment to Washington's shocks, Mexico is coming to the table with proposals, data, arguments, and a vision for the future. And that makes the difference. The policy outlined by the authorities, in which Marcelo Ebrard has played a strategic role, has found in this situation the opportunity to transcend six-year terms and act with a state-led approach. That is, perhaps, the greatest structural gain of this stage. And that is the reason why the country has recognized, almost unanimously, the work of the team charged with leading this strategic task.
In uncertain times, intelligent negotiation is not a sign of weakness: it is the highest form of national defense.
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