Gov. JB Pritzker will lead a delegation of business, civic and government leaders on a trade mission to Mexico next week at a time when one of his most ardent political foes, President Donald Trump, has continued to foster a hostile relationship with the country on immigration and economic matters.
The trade mission will be the Democratic governor’s latest effort to promote Illinois to foreign businesses. Last year, Pritzker led trade missions to Canada and Japan to highlight the state’s roles in clean energy and technological innovation, and discuss ways for the state to collaborate with those nations on economic goals. Since becoming governor in 2019, he’s also made similar trips to the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland.
According to the governor’s office, the Mexico visit will focus on “deepening economic ties” and promoting “greater cooperation” between the southern border nation and Illinois. The delegation will discuss with its Mexican counterparts ways to collaborate in the areas of finance, agriculture, food processing and manufacturing.
“Through this mission, Illinois seeks to strengthen its longstanding partnership with Mexico, paving the way for future investment and shared success,” Pritzker’s office said in a statement.
Illinois opened an office in Mexico in 1989 to strengthen its business relationship with the country, and the state has worked over the years to expand trade with Mexico through initiatives such as the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion program, according to the governor’s office.
According to the governor’s office, trade between Illinois and Mexico exceeded $32 billion last year, making Mexico Illinois’ second largest export market. Mexico is also Illinois’ third largest import market with the state importing billions of dollars in beverages, transportation and electronics, the office said.
Pritzker’s visit comes as Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, with a lower 10% tax on Canadian energy products, according to The Associated Press. The news outlet has also reported that parts of the tariffs on Mexico and Canada have been suspended, including taxes on motor vehicles after automakers complained, prompting Trump to give them a reprieve that expires in April.
On Feb. 10, Pritzker, who is mulling a possible run for the White House in 2028, reacted to reports about some of Trump’s tariffs.
“This is a tax on working families. This is what Trump is all about,” the billionaire governor said during an unrelated news conference in Chicago. “I want to remind you why he’s doing this. It is not because he is looking for trade fairness. It appears, likely, that this is about paying for the tax cut that he intends to provide to the wealthiest Americans.”
The trade mission will last from Sunday to Wednesday. On the trip will be public officials including Democratic state Sen. Elgie Sims, of Chicago, and Democratic state Reps. Elizabeth Hernandez, of Cicero, and Robyn Gabel, of Evanston, as well as private sector representatives from companies including United Airlines, Archer Daniels Midland and Nicor Gas.