MEXICO CITY, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Mexico will not negotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) under pressure, presidential spokesman Eduardo Sanchez said on Thursday.
Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's latest proposal on imported cars, which was seen as an attempt to pressure Mexico into conceding on other demands and speed up the talks, Sanchez assured the media that Mexico's negotiators can hold their own.
Trump said on Wednesday that he had instructed Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to consider initiating a national security investigation into automobile imports.
The investigation would allow the U.S. administration to impose tariffs on the grounds of national security.
"Our negotiating team is a very professional, very experienced team, and it has been recognized as such practically worldwide. Let me make it very clear, Mexico is not going to negotiate under pressure. Mexico clearly knows what is favorable and what isn't favorable," said Sanchez.
NAFTA partners Mexico, the United States and Canada have been working to update the 1994 trade deal since last August.
This month, analysts said the three parties conceded that the talks were likely to continue until 2019.
"We are not going to rush. If we arrive at an agreement, it will be one that truly benefits Mexico. If the conditions do not exist, Mexico is not going to advance in that regard," said the spokesman.
