Trade Cases
U.S. Suggests Steel Quotas Replace Tariffs for Mexico
Written by Sandy Williams
August 26, 2018
Mexican steel association Canacero said it has been called to Washington to discuss replacing the 25 percent tariff on steel imports to the U.S. with quotas.
A spokesperson for Canacero President Maximo Vedoya verified the request by Washington in a statement to Reuters.
“Talks are taking place now and the most important thing for the steel sector is to move forward under the principle of complete reciprocity,” he added.
According to Reuters, the talks are separate from the ongoing NAFTA negotiations. President Trump has indicated that a successful renegotiation of the NAFTA agreement would end the tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico.
Bilateral discussions between the U.S. and Mexico are drawing to a close with Canada expected to re-enter negotiations to finalize a new agreement. The suggestion of quotas, and Mexico’s consideration of them, seems to be at odds with the potential of total steel tariff relief from a renegotiated NAFTA agreement.
Sandy Williams
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