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World April 23, 2026 11:09 AM

Sheinbaum to Nominate Economist Roberto Lazzeri as Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States

Candidate comes from leadership of Mexico’s development banks as USMCA talks and tariff-related strains on manufacturers continue

By Hana Yamamoto
Sheinbaum to Nominate Economist Roberto Lazzeri as Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she will propose economist Roberto Lazzeri as the nation's next ambassador to the United States, replacing Esteban Moctezuma. Lazzeri heads two major development banks in Mexico and has overseen federal public debt. The nomination must be submitted to the United States for approval and comes as Mexico and Canada pursue USMCA negotiations to seek relief from steep U.S. duties that have strained automakers and other industries.

Key Points

  • President Claudia Sheinbaum announced she will propose Roberto Lazzeri as Mexico's ambassador to the United States; the nomination requires U.S. approval.
  • Lazzeri leads two major Mexican development banks, Nafin and Bancomext, and has overseen federal public debt, bringing financial and development banking experience to the potential diplomatic role.
  • The appointment comes amid USMCA review talks as Mexico and Canada seek relief from steep duties imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that have affected automakers and other industries; sectors tied to trade and manufacturing are directly implicated.

MEXICO CITY, April 23 - President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Thursday that she intends to nominate economist Roberto Lazzeri as Mexico's next ambassador to the United States, replacing the current envoy who has held the post since 2021.

Speaking at her routine daily press conference, Sheinbaum said of the proposed nomination: "We need to submit it to the United States and see if they approve the process." The announcement signals a potential change of representation in Washington following the tenure of Esteban Moctezuma, who was appointed by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Lazzeri is currently the head of two of Mexico's principal development banks, Nafin and Bancomext, and has also been responsible for overseeing public debt for the federal government. The president's choice links the ambassadorial post to an individual with direct experience in government finance and development banking operations.

The proposed appointment comes at a moment when Mexico and Canada are engaging with the United States to review the North American trade agreement known as the USMCA. Both countries have sought to use those negotiations as a channel to secure relief from steep duties that U.S. President Donald Trump imposed last year. Those duties have been reported to create difficulties for automakers and other industries operating within a highly integrated North American economy.

Sheinbaum's statement made clear that formal diplomatic procedure remains necessary: the nomination will be sent to U.S. authorities for their consideration and approval of the appointment process. Beyond the announcement, details about timing or subsequent steps were not provided in the president's remarks.

The selection of Lazzeri ties a senior Mexican financial official to a role that may involve engagement on trade and regulatory issues affecting cross-border industry, while the need for U.S. approval underlines the bilateral nature of ambassadorial appointments.

Context and next steps

  • The nomination will be formally submitted to the United States for approval.
  • Esteban Moctezuma, named by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is the current ambassador slated to be replaced if approval is granted.
  • The move occurs as Mexico and Canada pursue USMCA negotiations to address tariff measures cited as causing industrial difficulties.

Risks

  • The nomination must be submitted to and approved by U.S. authorities, creating uncertainty about whether Lazzeri will assume the ambassadorial post - this affects diplomatic continuity.
  • Ongoing USMCA negotiations introduce uncertainty for industries like automotive and other manufacturing sectors that have experienced difficulties due to recent steep U.S. duties.
  • Because details on timing and subsequent steps were not provided in the president's remarks, there is limited clarity on when a transition, if approved, would occur, which could affect planning for trade and government engagement.

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