**Trump Names Lighthizer for Commercial Representative Role; ‘Cold Blooded’: Ebrard on T-MEC Negotiations**
In a significant development, Donald Trump, the newly elected President of the United States, has reportedly asked Robert Lighthizer to return as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in his upcoming administration, set to begin on January 20, 2024. This request, revealed in a report by a British financial publication, highlights Trump’s intent to bring back a key figure from his previous administration to lead America’s trade policy once again. Lighthizer, who initially led U.S. trade efforts from May 2017 to January 2021, was instrumental in imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into what is now known as the USMCA (T-MEC in Spanish).
Though the report cited individuals familiar with Trump’s transition discussions, Lighthizer and his team have refrained from commenting on the matter. However, a British news agency later quoted anonymous sources refuting the initial report as false, adding layers of speculation and intrigue.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, the announcement has sparked reactions, especially as Mexico looks ahead to potential T-MEC discussions. Marcelo Ebrard, the Mexican Secretary of Economy, emphasized that Mexico is poised to approach these discussions with “cold blood and intelligence,” underscoring readiness to address any economic challenges posed by Trump’s trade policies. Ebrard pointed to substantial trade growth between Mexico and the U.S. as evidence of the strong economic linkages that will likely continue to drive bilateral relations. From 2023 to 2024, Mexico’s exports to the U.S. increased by 6.5%, marking significant economic engagement.
**In Other News: Trump’s Key Appointments and Mexico’s Economic Stance**
Further solidifying his transition team, Trump announced Susie Wiles, a chief campaign strategist, as his choice for White House Chief of Staff. This decision showcases Trump’s reliance on experienced allies to steer his administration effectively.
On the southern side of the border, Marcelo Ebrard remains optimistic about Mexico’s trade position, citing recent data that has seen Mexico becoming the foremost trading partner of the United States. With Mexico’s share rising to 16% in the North American market, Ebrard is confident that the forthcoming treaty reviews will further bolster economic collaboration, leading to job creation on both sides.
As the global economic landscape evolves, these developments may significantly influence North American trade dynamics, requiring stakeholders to maintain vigilance and adaptability in policy and strategy.