The relationship between Mexico and the United States is unique in the world. For the time being, it is going through an unusual phase: never before has economic interdependence been so intense while political tensions have been so apparent. The administration of Claudia Sheinbaum has found in Donald Trump a difficult and unpredictable interlocutor, yet it has so far avoided an open confrontation. Mexico’s strategy appears to rest on a simple formula: cooperate where necessary, negotiate where possible, and draw the line when national sovereignty is at stake. The Mexican president has handled this well.

Still, prudence alone is not enough. Washington has powerful instruments of leverage at its disposal. Mexico is vital to the United States, but it is also heavily dependent on its neighbor. Tariffs, migration, security, and now even administrative decisions affecting specific sectors of the Mexican economy are all part of a relationship in which the United States typically takes the lead.

The recent suspension of inspections for avocado exports from Michoacán is a case in point. A U.S. decision prompted by threats to American interests had immediate economic consequences in Mexico and forced the Mexican government to strengthen the military presence in the region.

But the central issue is the ongoing renegotiation of the USMCA. The future of millions of people and a vast array of economic interests and assets in both countries depends on it. These interests deserve the utmost care and attention. We trust that the negotiations will reach a successful conclusion and that cooperation will continue between these two interdependent trading partners and good neighbors.