Mexico takes the US side in potential trade battles with China and seeks to boost local content

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s top economic official has suggested his country will actively take the U.S. side in looming trade battles with China.

“There is a dispute between China and the United States, stronger now than it was a few years ago," Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said at a business forum on Tuesday. “And we now have a plan for a route to follow."

“What will be the main idea, the main design of that route?” Ebrard said. "To mobilize all legitimate interests in favor of North America.”

For example, he said it will be in Mexico’s own interest to welcome nearshoring, which tends to move production from plants in Asia to Mexico.