Dominic LeBlanc to lead large Canadian trade delegation to Mexico

Dominic LeBlanc will lead a six-day trade mission to Mexico with about 250 Canadian business and government representatives, focused on five priority sectors as Ottawa seeks to broaden trade ties while the USMCA/CUSMA agreement is up for review this year.

Dominic LeBlanc will lead a Canadian trade mission to Mexico beginning Sunday that brings roughly 250 business leaders and government officials. The six-day trip aims to strengthen economic links and advance Prime Minister Mark Carney’s agenda of diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships beyond heavy reliance on the United States. It comes as the USMCA/CUSMA agreement is scheduled for review this year and amid wider uncertainty about continental trade. Officials say the mission emphasizes business-to-business meetings and opportunities for small and medium-sized firms rather than large ceremonial deal signings. What we know: - The delegation includes about 250 Canadian business and government representatives on a six-day visit to Mexico. - Planned stops are Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, with meetings arranged by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. - The mission targets five sectors: agriculture and food, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, information and communication technology, and creative industries. - The visit is presented as part of a strategy to diversify Canada’s trade and to deepen ties with Mexico while the USMCA/CUSMA is under review this year. - The article mentions Canadian firms and investors already active in Mexico and notes both growth opportunities and challenges, including regulatory issues and security concerns. Summary: The mission is intended to broaden market access and foster supply-chain partnerships between Canadian firms—especially small and medium-sized exporters—and Mexican counterparts, while signalling closer Ottawa–Mexico cooperation. How much the trip will influence the USMCA/CUSMA review or longer-term trade outcomes is undetermined at this time.