U.S., Canada-Mexico Free Trade Agreement Review Set for Later in 2022 by Mexican Authorities
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Review Set to Commence in Late September or Early October
Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard has announced that the review of the USMCA free trade deal, scheduled to begin in late September or early October 2025, is imminent. During a press conference, Ebrard underscored that consultations with various sectors are essential, as required by US regulations, prior to the review process.
As the second largest economy in Latin America, Mexico will evaluate every aspect of the trade deal according to Ebrard. He furthers Mexico's focus on addressing steel and aluminum industry concerns in collaboration with the country's business sector.
Going forward, Ebrard expressed hope for a "greater economic regionalization" among the North American nations, envisioning a more integrated regional economy.
In 2024, Mexico's economy expanded by 1.4%, sagging from the previous year's growth of 3.3%, as per official data. Mexico's administration anticipates an economic growth of between 1.5% and 2.3% for 2025.
The anticipated review comes in the wake of disputes over labor rights and tariffs, particularly following President Trump's tariff imposition on Mexico and Canada in early 2025, amid concerns over illegal immigration, opioid epidemic, and denials of workers' rights at USMCA-affiliated facilities. The review is expected to examine labor rights enforcement, compliance with USMCA provisions, and address the use of tariffs, potentially leading to negotiations aimed at strengthening or clarifying certain provisions and impacting bilateral and trilateral relations.
- The review of the USMCA free trade deal, due to commence in late September or early October 2025, will involve consultations with various business sectors in Mexico, as specified by US regulations.
- Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard is intent on addressing the steel and aluminum industry concerns with Mexico's business sector as part of the USMCA review.
- Ebrard also aims for a greater economic regionalization among North American nations, targeting a more integrated regional economy in the future.
- The upcoming review is significant amid disputes over labor rights, tariffs, and other issues such as illegal immigration, opioid epidemic, and workers' rights denials at USMCA-affiliated facilities, and could potentially lead to negotiations that impact bilateral and trilateral relations.
