Mexico aims to boost compliant exports to 90% after U.S. tariff reprieve | U.S. & World [Video]

By Kylie Madry

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico expects to significantly boost the number of compliant companies exporting to the U.S. under a regional trade pact in coming weeks, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Friday, after Washington paused tariffs on Mexican shipments entering under the agreement.

Ebrard, speaking in a regular press conference alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum, said currently over half of goods going from Mexico to the U.S. were compliant under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement – and subsequently eligible for the tariff reprieve announced on Thursday.

The minister said he estimated that figure could increase to between 85% and 90% as companies shifted their export practices away from shipping under a so-called “most-favored nation” clause to the USMCA.

But Ebrard acknowledged that a group of companies behind 10% to 12% of exports would have greater difficulty complying, mentioning parts of the auto sector in particular.

Mexico will meet with auto firms …