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Grassley praises Sheinbaum’s cooperation during USMCA talks

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s optimistic about trade negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico.

During a media call on Wednesday, the Iowa Republican said Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has been willing to come to the table throughout the USMCA process.

“She is making a real effort to get along with the Trump administration,” Grassley said. “She needs to be complimented on it. I know she’s getting pressure from her own political party not to be so cooperative, and I think she’s fearful of the cartel as well.”

Grassley says it’s his understanding that any hangups in negotiations have dealt with steel.

“And not having transshipment from other countries that are in violation trying to get around U.S. tariff laws,” he said. “It doesn’t mean there aren’t issues with agriculture.”

Earlier this summer, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers the administration is pursuing separate bilateral negotiations with Mexico and Canada as part of the USMCA review. Discussions with Canada broke down in August over escalating tariffs and last-minute negotiating changes.