Lopez Obrador To Address Trade Dispute At Independence Day Parade

Eric Martin at Bloomberg has reported that Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will address the trade dispute with USMCA partners, the United States and Canada, during a military parade on September 16.

• Martin: "Mexico's AMLO says he plans to give an update on the US request for USMCA consultations over his energy policy during a Sept. 16 MILITARY PARADE that celebrates Independence Day. The parade typically includes a huge procession of tanks and soldiers."
• Martin continues: "That is to say, he plans to link a possible TRADE war with real WEAPONS of war..."
• Energy and trade consultant César Hernández, is quoted by the WSJ saying “Mexico has very high chances of losing the dispute,” as López Obrador’s energy policies violate the level playing field provisions mandated by the USMCA.
• WSJ: "López Obrador will likely have to choose between watering down landmark energy policies, which would be seen as a major political embarrassment domestically, or face punitive measures."
• The choice of date for a public pronouncement appears significant and may lead to an escalation of tensions within the members of the USMCA. Eric Farnsworth of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas: “The energy issue is central to the president’s agenda and conception of Mexico as a nation. He is unlikely to acquiesce without a fight."