The Premier of Ontario in Canada, Doug Ford, has accused Mexico of serving as a "back door" for Chinese products in North America and has proposed the exclusion of Mexico from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). According to Ford, Mexico should align the tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by Canada and the United States to maintain its position in the trilateral agreement.
In a press conference, the conservative politician stated that since the signing of NAFTA, Mexico has facilitated the entry of Chinese products into Canadian and U.S. markets, which harms workers in both countries and weakens their communities. In light of this situation, Ford advocates prioritizing the trade relationship with the United States and negotiating a bilateral agreement between the two countries.
Ford, who holds the position of Premier of Ontario, a province with a significant automotive industry, indicated that the presence of Chinese products in North America, especially in the automotive sector, is negatively affecting employment in Canada and the United States. In this regard, the official emphasized the importance of ensuring that free trade is fair and equitable for all parties involved.
Ontario is known as an important vehicle production center in Canada, employing thousands of people directly in the province. In this context, the Canadian government has announced the imposition of tariffs on the import of Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum, thereby aligning the tariffs imposed by the United States.
It is anticipated that in 2026, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will renegotiate NAFTA. Meanwhile, the elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, has expressed concern about the production of Chinese vehicles in Mexico and has proposed the application of higher tariffs. Ford insists on the need to protect the automotive industry of Canada and the United States from the unfair competition of Chinese products through Mexico.
