Mexico says it is close to U.S. metals tariff deal, waiting for Canada

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Mexico is close to resolving its dispute with the United States over steel and aluminum tariffs without quotas but hopes Canada can reach a similar agreement before completing it, a senior Mexican official said on Wednesday.

Jesus Seade, Mexican deputy foreign minister for North America, told Reuters by telephone that a deal to remove the so-called Section 232 tariffs was “very close” but he wanted Canada to be in the same position in its negotiations with Washington.

“What we’ve been talking about for a week,” he said, “is eliminating the 232 without any quotas,” noting that it was “very possible” Canada could sign up to a “similar” deal.