Mexican president defends USMCA, says willing to discuss deal with Trump

MEXICO CITY, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday expressed her support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on free trade, and said she is willing to discuss the merits of the deal with U.S. President Donald Trump if necessary.

"The treaty benefits all three countries. The first treaty had its problems for the United States. This second treaty was signed by President Trump himself," Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.

As part of the trade deal's current review process, Mexico is hoping to reduce U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum and cars, said Sheinbaum, adding she would seek talks with Trump if needed to secure that goal.

"What is proposed is a review. Why is it law? Because it was approved by the United States Congress, the Mexican Congress or Senate, and in Canada as well," she told reporters.

Mexico's delegation, led by Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, is working to guarantee the continuity of the treaty, she stressed.

However, the U.S. government's more protectionist stance has introduced new challenges into the current talks, Sheinbaum said.

The United States is insisting that North American goods be manufactured on U.S. soil, while "we say it should not just be the United States, but the entire region, precisely because it is a free trade agreement," she said.

Sheinbaum's remarks came after Trump in recent days cast doubt on the USMCA's renewal, arguing that the United States does not need anything from Canada and Mexico. Enditem