Arizona leaders boost trade ties in Mexico City amid tariffs

Last week, a trade commission of Arizona leaders, including Governor Katie Hobbs, visited Mexico City to meet with with officials and business leaders from Arizona’s top trading partners. This comes after the Trump Administration announced new tariffs on certain goods from Mexico.

Many experts indicate the Trump Administration policies could affect the billions of dollars generated across the border between Arizona and Sonora.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA, is up for renegotiation next year. The commission is talking to representatives from various industries including semiconductors, aerospace, financial services and telecommunications in Mexico.

Todd Sanders, President and CEO of Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, joined “Arizona Horizon,” to discuss more on the trade talks.

“I think she’s been very intentional about that relationship,” Sanders said, “…there’s a lot of importance at the federal level, especially with what’s happening at the border for us, and trades so it made sense to do that delegation in Mexico City.”

Sanders explained how vital this meeting was as it strengthens Arizona’s longstanding relationship with Mexico, and create opportunities for Arizona businesses in Mexico.

“…but also talk to Mexican businesses about opportunities in Arizona,” Sanders said, “so really a three-prong type of reason for the trip.”

Leadership from various sectors attended the trip to Mexico City including business organizations, universities, manufacturing, and the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have played in Mexico City before and are hoping for more games to be held in the future.

“The fact that we are this center of gravity in the country…has changed the way that we’re perceived in Mexico City,” Sanders explained, “…before I think you’d see that they were glad we were there…but certainly all roads led to Texas, but now Arizona is front and center thanks to this boom.”