Mexico eyes early trade deal on steel, aluminum, autos ahead of USMCA

MEXICO CITY, April 20 (Reuters) - Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said on ?Monday that Mexico is interested in reaching an ‌agreement, prior to completing the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact, regarding the exchange of steel, aluminum ?and automobiles.

Sheinbaum spoke at a morning ?press conference as U.S. Trade Representative ?Jamieson Greer visits Mexico for talks.

"Obviously, we ?care a great deal about steel, aluminum, ?and automobiles," Sheinbaum said. "We hope that a preliminary agreement can be reached."

Mexico is a major exporter ?of vehicles and auto parts, as well ?as machinery and mechanical equipment, which it sends mainly ‌to ?the United States.

This year's USMCA review talks are critical for Mexico, which has so far been largely spared the brunt ?of U.S. ?tariffs thanks ?to the bulk of its exports being protected under the ?North American trade pact.

The U.S. has ?suggested ?it will seek to tighten its rules of origin to prevent goods - particularly from ?China - ?passing through Mexico in ?order to enter the U.S. tariff-free.