Mexican and US officials concluded the first bilateral round of negotiations in Mexico City on Friday as part of the review process for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico's Economy Ministry said.

The talks covered key regional economic issues, including automotive rules of origin, steel and aluminum, and regional economic security, the ministry said in a statement.

The negotiation teams were led by Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, and Jeffrey Gerrish, deputy US trade representative.

Both sides confirmed that a second round will be held in Washington on June 16 and 17. It will include agriculture, fair competition conditions and continued discussions on rules of origin.

A third round is scheduled for the week of July 20 in Mexico City and will focus on resolving pending issues, the ministry said. The formal six-year USMCA Joint Review is scheduled to officially begin on July 1, 2026. 

"We are already on the path toward completing the review as provided for under our free trade agreement with the United States and Canada," Ebrard said after the meeting.

The three USMCA partners are scheduled to review the pact this year under its rules.

(With input from Xinhua)