President Trump has intensified pressure on Mexico to open its energy sector to U.S. companies as bilateral trade negotiations face delays. The move comes amid efforts to reduce America's trade deficit with its southern neighbor.

In a mid-September phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump urged more deals and partnerships between U.S. and Mexican energy firms, according to multiple people familiar with the discussion. One source said Trump initially raised the possibility of selling Mexican energy assets to American buyers. The leaders also explored an arrangement similar to last year's agreement with South Korea, under which Seoul committed to purchasing $100 billion in U.S. energy products and making additional billions in investments in the United States.

A U.S. official noted that the call included discussion of Mexico increasing its purchases of American natural gas. Mexico already relies on the United States for roughly three-quarters of its natural gas demand. The talks centered on shrinking Mexico's trade surplus with the United States.

Trade discussions between the two nations have stalled. A planned round of formal negotiations in Washington scheduled for September was postponed and later canceled. Reports indicate that the energy demands contributed to the setback. Most Mexican goods enter the United States tariff-free under the USMCA, though Mexico has sought relief on duties for autos, steel, and aluminum.

On Saturday, Trump told supporters at a rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, that the United States would reach a new trade deal with Mexico and does not need Canada. The comments followed the Financial Times report on the energy push and signal continued focus on bilateral arrangements.

Mexico's government, led by Sheinbaum of the left-wing Morena party, has maintained dialogue despite the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration to address trade imbalances. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard has overseen the Mexican side of the talks. Sheinbaum has acknowledged public statements from Trump about reducing the commercial deficit.

The developments occur against the backdrop of the upcoming USMCA review process. Energy policy in Mexico remains a sensitive issue tied to national sovereignty, with state firms Pemex and CFE holding dominant positions even as private investment sees limited openings. Trump administration officials have highlighted the need for reciprocal energy trade to support U.S. producers and overall economic fairness.