Canada and Mexico established formal diplomatic relations in 1944. Since the 1990s, their relationship has flourished, particularly through trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its successor, the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Trade Relations:
- USMCA: Signed in November 2018 and ratified by all three countries by March 2020, the USMCA replaced NAFTA, aiming to modernize trade relations and address contemporary issues.
- Bilateral Trade: In 2022, Canada remained Mexico’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for 2.7% of Mexico’s total trade. Between 2013 and 2023, trade between the two nations grew by over 70%.
People-to-People Connections:
- Tourism: In 2024, over 2.6 million Canadians visited Mexico, making Canada the second-largest source of tourists to Mexico after the United States. Conversely, in 2023, more than 590,000 Mexicans traveled to Canada.
- Shared Values: Both countries emphasize gender equality, environmental protection, and respect for human rights, fostering strong bilateral relations.
Diplomatic Relations:
While there have been occasional tensions, such as trade disputes and policy disagreements, both nations have maintained open diplomatic channels. Notably, in August 2024, Mexico’s president froze relations with U.S. and Canadian envoys over criticism of a proposed judicial reform. However, this did not equate to a complete breakdown in diplomatic relations.
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