US President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a telephone conversation as the two nations edge closer to resolving their differences under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Sources familiar with the call indicate that previously undisclosed topics were introduced into the discussion, adding an element of uncertainty to the ongoing negotiations. US officials, however, characterized the dialogue as constructive, asserting that bilateral discussions continue to move in a positive direction. The fourth round of formal talks has been postponed by one week and is now scheduled for September 28-29.

Contrasting Assessments of the Call

Trump and Sheinbaum spoke by phone on Wednesday local time. Individuals with knowledge of the conversation described the exchange as "average," noting that new subjects emerged during the discussion, creating some disruption to the existing negotiating framework. The specifics of these additional topics remain unclear, as does which side raised them. A US official offered a different perspective, describing the call as productive and emphasizing that US-Mexico negotiations remain active and continue to yield positive results. That official rejected any suggestion that the talks hit a rough patch.

Prior to the leaders' conversation, Mexican officials had expressed optimism that the two countries were nearing an agreement to address certain US concerns regarding the implementation of the USMCA. There is currently no indication that the newly introduced topics have caused a breakdown in negotiations.

Fourth Round Delayed to Late September

The fourth round of formal US-Mexico consultations is now set to take place September 28-29 in Washington, marking a one-week delay from the originally scheduled dates. Available information does not clarify whether the schedule change is directly tied to the leaders' phone call. The third round, held in July, covered a broad range of sectors including automobiles, steel and aluminum, agriculture, labor, electronic payment services, economic security, and steel and aluminum derivative products. At that time, both sides agreed to continue expanding North American manufacturing, strengthening regional supply chains, and addressing concerns about non-member countries exploiting North American trade arrangements.

These industries are deeply interconnected within the US-Mexico cross-border production system, with automotive rules of origin, metal product trade terms, and agricultural market access emerging as the principal commercial issues under discussion. The USMCA remains in effect throughout the negotiating period, as Washington's July decision to decline an extension under existing terms did not terminate the agreement but rather reflected the need to resolve perceived deficiencies and address the US trade deficit with Mexico and Canada. Under the agreement's framework, the three countries will continue addressing differences through periodic reviews. The current bilateral track between the US and Mexico prioritizes resolving specific two-way issues first, with no trilateral arrangement involving Canada having been announced.