EU-#Mexico trade: #ALDE calls for lower tariffs and taxes

The political crisis between the US and Mexico may also have a strong impact on commercial relations between the two countries.

This could create a chain reaction affecting the agreements signed by Mexico with other states, including the EU; Mexico's third-largest trading partner after the US and China.

Last year the EU and Mexico launched negotiations to modernize the Global Agreement, already in place for 20 years, with a special focus on trade deals.

Renate Weber (Romania, Independent), ALDE’s co-ordinator on Latin American affairs, calls for lowered tariff barriers and taxes in the updated trade legal frame with Mexico:  "It is the right time for the European Union to show solidarity with Mexico, an important commercial partner and a country with which we share many common values.

"The message that the EU should send to Mexican citizens is that they are not alone and that they can count on us. Now more than ever we absolutely need an ambitious review of the EU-Mexico association agreement, thus enhancing our partnership on several grounds - commercial, political, social and cultural."

Diplomatic tensions between Mexico and the new administration in Washington escalated following the White House's suggestion to add a 20% tax on imports coming from the southern neighbour.

A Mexican official warned that a border tax would unleash consequences around the world and could trigger a global recession.  Renate Weber will participate at the meeting of the 22nd EU - Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee, taking place between 21 - 23 February 2017.

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