MEXICO CITY — Three members of the U.S. Cabinet surprised their Mexican counterparts just a few days before the end of the Trump administration. All three of them signed a letter, criticizing Mexico over specific trade issues.

The letter went to the Mexican secretaries of Energy, Foreign Affairs and Economy. It is signed by the U.S. secretaries of State, Energy and Commerce.

The document states concerns about regulations in Mexico, particularly on the energy sector. They say the restrictions bring uncertainty and that the investment climate has been damaged.

The secretaries ask Mexico to live up to the obligations signed in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, known as USMCA. 

The letter warns that harming U.S.-backed private companies could adversely affect millions of dollars brought into Mexico through U.S. state agencies and banks.

The Mexican secretary of Energy responded that the USMCA establishes respect for each country’s laws and that Mexico keeps an adequate balance in the energy market.