Mexico's Guajardo: NAFTA is progressing, but doesn't expect an announcement on Thursday

Mexico's Economy Minister, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, is hitting wires with comments about the NAFTA talks progress, as well as concerns about economic activity following tariffs.

Key highlights:

Has been speaking with Canada's Freeland, plans to talk with the US trade rep Lighthizer tomorrow.

Planning a potential meeting of trade ministers in Washington on Thursday.

NAFTA negotiations are moving along nicely.

Have closed or are about to close ten sections, or chapters.

Approximately twelve chapters remaining.

Mexico is considering mirroring US steel and aluminum tariffs.

Tariff mirroring to prevent metal dumping in Mexico in response to US tariffs.

must prevent Mexico from becoming a 'back door' to other countries.

Unlikely that a big announcement on NAFTA will come from Thursday's meeting in Washington.