A significant Mexican trade delegation to Canada commenced on Thursday, with over 200 Mexican companies aiming to enhance commercial ties during a two-day engagement spanning two cities. The event will feature discussions on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The delegation started in Toronto and will later proceed to Montreal. Although initially planned as a three-day tour including Vancouver, the current mission is one of the largest ever dispatched by Mexico to Canada.
Canada’s Minister of Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, emphasized the strong relationship between Canada and Mexico, highlighting shared values and economic aspirations that have fostered prosperity for both nations. He expressed optimism about the potential to make North America the most competitive, dynamic, and resilient region globally.
Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, stressed Mexico’s desire to strengthen ties with Canada not only in the short term but also for the foreseeable future. He emphasized the need for proximity to like-minded countries and institutions amid evolving geopolitical and technological landscapes.
With over 240 Mexican businesses participating and more than 1,000 scheduled business-to-business meetings, the trade mission signals a strategic move by both Canada and Mexico to diversify their trade partnerships and reduce dependence on the U.S. market amid trade uncertainties and global challenges.
Fernando Vargas, CEO of Bloom White Label Partners, a digital services firm based in Aguascalientes, highlighted the vast collaboration opportunities between Mexico and Canada, noting their geographical alignment, shared time zones, and upcoming joint hosting of a World Cup. Vargas expressed optimism about expanding their current business activities in Canada through the trade mission.
During the visit, LeBlanc and Ebrard engaged in discussions on economic challenges faced by their respective countries. The agenda included talks on the upcoming CUSMA review, although not as part of formal negotiations. Ebrard also planned meetings with top executives from prominent Canadian companies to explore investment and trade opportunities.
Mexico’s trade mission follows a substantial Canadian trade initiative in Mexico earlier this year, resulting in numerous new business agreements. Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Mexico amounted to $62 billion in 2025, with Canada ranking as the second-largest destination for Mexican exports. The trade volume between the two countries has seen significant growth since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1995.
Looking ahead, Luis Arzani, Chief Commercial Officer for Grupo Xpress Internacional, aims to establish direct relationships with Canadian businesses to streamline logistics operations and enhance trade flow without intermediaries. Arzani envisions creating a seamless corridor for goods transportation between Mexico and Canada through a single contact point.
Armando Ortega, President of the Mexico-Canada bilateral committee of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Commerce, highlighted the importance of Mexican investment in the Canadian market amidst global economic uncertainties. He emphasized the untapped potential for deeper trade relations between the two countries and the transformative impact of increasing Mexican capital in Canada.
Ortega, a participant in NAFTA negotiations, underscored the need for Mexico and Canada to collaborate closely during the CUSMA review, advocating for a balanced approach that avoids unilateral agendas. He emphasized the significance of mutual understanding and cooperation in shaping the future of trade relations between the two nations.
