The Mexican Mining Chamber (Camimex) highlighted the mining integration between Mexico and the United States, which includes Mexican exports of 12 rare earth elements.
Mexico is among the world’s top 10 producers of 16 minerals and supplies relevant resources to the United States. For example, the United States is the main destination for Mexican mineral exports, accounting for 52% of the total.
Mining integration
In a letter sent to the USTR during consultations for the review of the USMCA, Camimex stressed the urgency of strengthening strategies that promote economic security. It also called for strengthening the competitiveness of the mining sector in North America.
The Chamber then pointed out that Mexico is deepening its integration with the U.S. value chain by exporting 52 mineral products. It also highlighted that these include 12 rare earths that are key to advanced technologies.
Finally, it explained that critical minerals are essential for innovative technology. It also argued that they drive global competitiveness in areas such as artificial intelligence and defense.
Essential minerals
According to its own definition, Camimex represents companies in the sector. It also promotes favorable public policies and defends investment. It also promotes legal certainty and responsible mining. In doing so, it highlights its economic importance for multiple industries and for the country’s growth.
On the other hand, the United States depends on imports of essential minerals. In this context, Mexico acts as a close and reliable ally. It also remains a key supplier to meet the strategic needs of the U.S. market.
“A highly sensitive issue for the North American region is the availability of critical minerals. In some cases, China is the main supplier. Relying on a single source is neither convenient nor desirable,” said the USTR.
For example, the USTR has written that “U.S. trade and investment policy should promote resilient supply chains—those that are sustainable, secure, diverse, and transparent—to protect against future crises and disruptions, as well as potential negative impacts on trade and the economy resulting from bottlenecks and dependencies.”
Supply chains
Camimex added that Mexico, as a southern neighbor of the United States, is willing to contribute to these objectives.
In line with this idea, the U.S. government agreed with Japan to “strengthen critical mineral supply chains, which will help strengthen and diversify the supply chains of certain critical minerals used in electric vehicle battery technologies.”
For Camimex, this indicates that close allies of the United States could contribute in this key area.