MEXICO CITY -- Mexico and the United States are close to reaching an agreement on tariffs imposed by Washington on steel and aluminum imports, Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Tuesday.

Speaking after an event titled "Driving Creativity and Mexico's Future," Ebrard told reporters that his country has presented several arguments to persuade US officials to lift the duties.

"Mexico exports only about 100,000 tons of aluminum to the United States. So why impose such a large tariff?" he said.

Ebrard added the two sides were "very close" to reaching a conclusion on this issue.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25 to 50 percent.

Calling the measure unfair and unsustainable, the Mexican government said it would seek an exemption.