Opinion | US allies are shaping their own world as Trump’s America retreats
By reducing dependence on the US and enhancing ties among each other, like-minded middle powers are better able to set their own terms
“We will move forwards together,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared in Mexico, where he pushed for a new era of bilateral cooperation between America’s two immediate neighbours.
Carney, who met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, added: “I have full confidence, and so does the president, that we can find the adjustments needed to reinforce competition and competitiveness in our region.” This was the first visit in eight years by a Canadian leader to Mexico City, underscoring the renewed sense of urgency among US allies.
Massive dependence on a single neighbour is a serious problem for both sides. Around 80 per cent of Canada’s and Mexico’s exports go to the United States. Trade between the two countries, however, remains relatively limited. Canada’s bilateral trade with the US amounts to C$924.4 billion (US$667.6 billion) compared to just C$55.4 billion with Mexico. Accordingly, Carney pushed for “much greater amounts of trade and investment to build over the coming 30 years than over the last 30 years” since the two countries “are that much closer, our values are aligned, and our ambitions are greater”.
Trump, Putin leave Ukraine war summit with no deal