La Jornada: Ebrard: review of the T-MEC, great opportunity to increase investment

The head of the Ministry of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, stated that the review of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) is “a very great opportunity for Mexico”, in a context marked by the growth of exports and high levels of foreign investment.

After participating in the Innova Fest 2026 in Monterrey, Nuevo León, the official recalled that formal talks with the United States will begin on May 26 to review the trade agreement, under conditions that were not expected a year ago.

Ebrard maintained that, although there are challenges, the Mexican economy is in a favorable position. He highlighted that exports have grown 27 percent, according to Inegi data, and that foreign investment remains at high levels compared to previous years.

He indicated that the review of the T-MEC is the preamble to changes in the productive integration of the region. He explained that one of the United States’ priorities is to reduce its dependence on Asia in strategic sectors, which opens space for Mexico to expand its participation.

He explained that this reconfiguration includes industries such as pharmaceuticals (the United States imports inputs worth hundreds of billions of dollars), as well as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and critical supply chains. Washington’s goal “is to reduce (that dependence) and I think it is sensible.”

He stressed that Mexico can become a strategic partner to substitute imports from Asia, as long as national productive capacity is strengthened and regional integration is deepened.

The official added that the negotiation process will involve identifying priority sectors and cooperation mechanisms that allow both countries to resolve common needs in industrial and commercial matters.

On the other hand, he highlighted that Ternium is advancing in the expansion of its industrial complex in Pesquería, Nuevo León, as part of a strategy to strengthen the steel industry in Mexico.

During a visit to the company’s industrial center, Ebrard learned about the progress of the third phase of the project, in which 4 billion dollars will be invested and which, with previous stages, totals more than 7.5 billion dollars.

In a statement, the Ministry of Economy reported that the new steel plant will begin operations towards the end of 2026 and will increase the production of high-quality automotive steel with lower carbon dioxide emissions.

The project includes cold rolling and galvanizing lines, as well as pickling and custom production processes that began operations in February.

During the tour, Ebrard reiterated that “the country’s strategic objective is to support companies that are investing and reduce imports.”

For his part, the company’s executive director, Máximo Vedoya, stated that the investment reflects the industry’s ability to continue growing in Mexico, produce goods with greater added value and strengthen supply chains with local suppliers and customers.

Ternium’s expansion is part of the Made in Mexico initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Economy to strengthen national production and consolidate more competitive supply chains within the framework of regional integration.