Mexico and Canada Elevate Cooperation

By Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados

On September 18, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo met in Mexico City to announce the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The initiative, formalized through the Canada-Mexico Action Plan 2025–2028, outlines a three-year roadmap across four pillars: prosperity; mobility, well-being, and inclusion; security; and environment and sustainability.

While publicly framed as a partnership to enhance trade, security, and climate collaboration, the agreement carries significant strategic undertones. Both governments emphasized strengthening the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) while simultaneously pursuing independent, bilateral initiatives. Analysts note that this dual-track approach allows Canada and Mexico to advance shared economic and technological priorities while avoiding overreliance on the U.S. and creating more autonomy in negotiations on sensitive sectors such as intellectual property, technology transfer, and energy.

Intellectual property emerges as a critical focus. The partnership signals a commitment to protect innovation and digital assets, potentially harmonizing standards across North America but under a bilateral lens that limits unilateral U.S. influence. Similarly, in areas like trade facilitation, agriculture, and energy, the agreement provides mechanisms for Canada and Mexico to jointly manage supply chains, port connectivity, and investment flows without defaulting to U.S.-dominated frameworks.

Security and digital sovereignty also feature prominently. The Action Plan references emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, and climate action as arenas where the two countries can coordinate strategies independently, further insulating decision-making from U.S. geopolitical pressures.

Finally, the partnership underscores cultural and diplomatic signaling. By jointly celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada and Mexico highlight shared values and regional leadership while subtly reinforcing a North American identity that is cooperative yet strategically autonomous.