Mexico has begun discussions with private sector companies about expanding fracking operations to reduce its heavy dependence on U.S. natural gas imports, according to a Financial Times report published Tuesday. These talks come amid growing trade tensions between the two countries.

The country currently imports 72% of its total natural gas demand, with almost all of it coming from the United States. Any policy shift toward increased domestic fracking would likely take months to implement, as discussions are still in preliminary stages, the FT reported, citing four executives familiar with the talks.

According to market advisory service RBN Energy, U.S. gas imports to Mexico have tripled over the past decade, primarily sourced from the Permian and Eagle Ford Basins. Meanwhile, Mexico's domestic gas production has rapidly declined, with much of its own gas considered unusable due to high nitrogen content.

Private companies have expressed interest in investing in Mexican fracking operations, the executives told the Financial Times. This development represents a potential shift in Mexico's energy strategy as it seeks greater independence from U.S. supplies.

The North American energy landscape is changing rapidly, with the recent discovery of approximately 18 million tons of lithium beneath California's Salton Sea. This massive find could power batteries for 382 million electric vehicles and potentially reduce regional fossil fuel dependencies in the long term.

The news comes as Mexico is already considering measures to double its strategic natural gas storage capacity. These plans reflect concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump might use Mexico's gas dependence as leverage in future negotiations.

Natural gas serves critical functions in Mexico's economy:

• Electricity generation
• Industrial activities

Most natural gas imports to Mexico are transported via pipeline infrastructure. Any disruption to this supply could have significant impacts on Mexico's energy security and economic stability.