Trump pressures Mexico to increase purchases of U.S. natural gas, energy cooperation becomes a new focus in trade negotiations

1. Mexico and the United States have identified new negotiation points in their trade relationship within the energy sector. During a call with Mexican President Sheinbaum, Trump urged the expansion of cooperation agreements between companies from both countries and explored the possibility of Mexico increasing its purchases of natural gas from the United States. The two leaders also discussed ways to reduce Mexico's trade surplus with the US.2. According to the Financial Times, citing informed sources and US officials, the presidents discussed establishing a new business alliance as well as the possibility of an energy procurement framework similar to that between the US and South Korea. However, there is currently no formal trade agreement in place. During a mid-September call, Trump emphasized that Mexico and US energy companies need more agreements and alliances as part of trade negotiations.3. The report refers to the 2025 US-South Korea agreement, under which South Korea committed to purchase $100 billion worth of US energy products and further invest in the US. However, this does not mean Mexico has agreed to a similar commitment; both sides have not specified the amount, timeline, or Mexico's specific obligations.4. Mexico currently relies on the US to meet nearly three-quarters of its natural gas needs. Natural gas is vital to Mexico's energy system, used for power generation and industrial activities; the high import ratio means Mexico is highly susceptible to US market supply and price fluctuations. Increasing imports could strengthen bilateral relations, but the consequences depend on contract quantities, prices, and commercial terms. The report does not specify how much additional natural gas Mexico might purchase, nor does it indicate whether the Mexican government has agreed to increase imports.5. US officials said the call also focused on reducing Mexico's trade surplus with the US. From Washington's perspective, increasing Mexico's purchases of US products helps correct imbalances, and energy is one area where the US aims to boost sales. However, the outcome depends on the scope and implementation of potential agreements, and purchasing natural gas is not the only measure to reduce the surplus.6. Publicly available information indicates that both sides discussed expanding energy company alliances, the possibility of Mexico increasing its purchases of US natural gas, and reducing the trade surplus. The potential procurement quantity, agreement terms, timeline, and level of corporate participation remain unclear. Whether Mexico will follow South Korea's energy commitment has not been confirmed. Energy issues have become part of US-Mexico trade negotiations, and further developments will reveal whether these proposals can be translated into concrete commitments.