The Mexican automotive sector is the backbone of Mexican manufacturing and exports , which is why its participation in the revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is “essential” to preserve regional competitiveness, said Elisa Crespo , executive president of the Metropolitan Automotive Cluster (CLAUT) .

Crespo warned that failure to consider the industry’s proposals in the review of the trilateral trade agreement, scheduled for July 2026, could lead to strategic and structural risks, such as a loss of regional competitiveness, fragmentation of North American value chains, negative economic and labor impacts, and geopolitical uncertainty.

“Failure to address the automotive sector’s proposals in the USMCA review could compromise Mexico’s strategic position within the world’s most dynamic trading bloc. The industry requires a framework that combines certainty, competitiveness, and flexibility to address the sector’s technological and energy transformation. Therefore, incorporating its leadership into the negotiations is ideal and essential,” he said in an interview with T21.

The specialist indicated that CLAUT’s participation in the open dialogue on the USMCA will allow for a “snapshot of the concerns and vulnerability” in the sector, and said that the State of Mexico is highly productive for this industry, with the presence of key automakers such as General Motors , Ford , Stellantis , and heavy vehicle manufacturers such as Daimler and Volvo Buses .

The USMCA review represents a “great opportunity” to align efforts and criteria that strengthen the productive and competitive integration of North America , he emphasized.

He added that the proposals the cluster will present aim to anticipate opportunities and promptly address critical issues in the treaty . Among the main points to be addressed are tariffs, rules of origin, customs procedures, investment and labor conditions, as well as energy and development subsidies.

He also indicated that CLAUT collaborates closely with the country’s leading business organizations and welcomed the “open dialogue” it maintains with the Ministry of Economy .

The cluster plays an important role as an articulator, analyst, and technical and strategic interlocutor with companies, with the aim of contributing to the construction of a common position as a country .

Elisa Crespo shared that the formal participation mechanism in the USMCA consultations consists of a consultation with companies, guided by specialists with experience in previous negotiations. The results will be presented in writing, although in-person dialogue with the authorities will be prioritized.

Crespo called on industry leaders to assume their responsibility and actively participate in the process, and expressed his full confidence in the ability of Mexico’s representatives during the USMCA review to defend the agreement and this industry.

It’s worth remembering that the Mexican automotive industry has had its ups and downs so far this year . In September 2025 alone, both production and exports registered negative figures in their annual measurement.

According to the  National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) , automobile manufacturing in Mexico totaled 355,525 units in the ninth month of the year, a 6.1% drop compared to the same period in 2024; while exports of light vehicles manufactured in the country totaled 314,656 units, representing a 0.3% decline in annual growth.

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El cargo CLAUT sees challenges and opportunities for the automotive sector in the review of the USMCA. apareció primero en T21.

The overregulation proposed in the reform to the Customs Law could hinder competitiveness and nearshoring (relocation of production lines) in the context of foreign trade , which represents more than 36% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), supports one in five jobs, and generates almost a quarter of Mexico’s tax revenue, warned the International Chamber of Commerce Mexico (ICC Mexico) .

The organization considered that any legal adjustment must seek a balance between security, revenue collection, trade facilitation, and Mexico’s international competitiveness.

Although he noted that ICC Mexico experts recognize that the reform proposal contains valuable advances in digitalization and technological control, “in its current design it poses risks that could slow the dynamism of foreign trade and discourage key investments, especially in the context of nearshoring and with a view to the revision of the Agreement between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (USMCA) .”

ICC Mexico identified overregulation and duplication of requirements as among the most sensitive aspects of this reform , as the initiative places excessive responsibilities on customs agents , imposing obligations that exceed their powers and increasing the risk of patent suspension or cancellation.

Also, the increase in costs and time . “The new processes, additional verifications, and new tariffs would make import and export operations more expensive, affecting strategic sectors such as the automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, and high-tech sectors,” he stated in a statement.

Another point he highlighted as sensitive is the excessive fines proposed by the reform to the Customs Law, which he described as “disproportionate,” which would impact import operations, especially those of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He also considered that the reform, which was presented by the Executive Branch on September 9, would also have an impact on regional competitiveness , making Mexico less attractive compared to other countries currently competing for investments derived from nearshoring .

He indicated that this could create contradictions with international commitments, as some provisions are incompatible with the USMCA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, “which exposes Mexico to international disputes.”

In light of this, the ICC Mexico considered it essential to strengthen customs and combat smuggling through a comprehensive and facilitating approach.

In this regard, he proposed promoting the Single Window for Foreign Trade as a central platform; adopting an inspection model based on risk profiles and certification of reliable operators; and distributing obligations among importers, exporters, transporters, and customs agents.

Also, “advance the implementation of instruments such as the ATA Carnets and the TIR Convention, which simplify the international transit of goods,” and invest in training, technology, and transparency in customs.

The organization called on the Union Congress and the public to carefully analyze the Customs Law reform initiative, and concluded by asking for “a reform built on broad dialogue, listening to the private sector, and adopting international standards that strengthen our competitiveness.”

The Mexican foreign trade sector is facing a new wave of uncertainty due to the reform of the Customs Law, which seeks to tighten oversight of operations and change the dynamics of customs operations.

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El cargo Customs Law reform would affect competitiveness and nearshoring, warns ICC Mexico apareció primero en T21.

Mexico has established itself as a major producer and supplier to the automotive industry, which is currently experiencing uncertainty surrounding the revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) . Manuel Montoya, director of the Nuevo León Automotive Cluster (CLAUT) , stressed that northeastern Mexico is emerging as a key region for strengthening the automotive supply chain.

In this regard, he highlighted that this area concentrates the majority of the country’s Tier 2 supply.

“The northeast region is primarily home to Mexican-owned companies that work for major automakers and top-tier suppliers. It’s a landscape that needs to be strengthened because it’s at the heart of national integration,” he stated.

Although production remains stable, new investments are on hold while the future of the negotiations is defined , warned Manuel Montoya, as they are waiting to see what happens with the rules of origin in this treaty.

“The sector continues to produce and export; we’re even at the same pace as last year and could close with four million vehicles manufactured in Mexico. However, new projects and models are on hold, awaiting clarity on the rules,” Montoya explained.

The demand to integrate more regional content has put pressure on international automakers, which in turn opens up opportunities for local suppliers.

Previously, some automakers preferred to pay a tariff for failing to comply with the rules of origin; today, with the threat of tariffs of up to 27.5% , that strategy is no longer viable.

“It’s no longer viable to rely on components from Japan or Germany. Corporations are pushing their plants in Mexico to find suppliers, and we see frequent requests in our region for processes such as plastic injection molding and machining. This represents a great opportunity for companies in the northeast and Mexico,” he explained.

Montoya also warned about other factors that directly impact the sector, such as the exchange rate, which affects the competitiveness of exporters, and electromobility, which requires investment in infrastructure and battery production in North America to reduce dependence on China.

Review of the USMCA: tensions and pending definitions

In this regard, Montoya anticipated that the treaty revision will bring pressure on two fronts: relaxing rules of origin , as some U.S. automakers are seeking; and tightening requirements , a position of regional governments seeking to maintain jobs and local content.

Added to this is the uncertainty surrounding China’s role in the North American market .

“Chinese companies have held back on their decision to set up plants in Mexico because it’s unclear whether they will be able to export their vehicles to the United States. This will be a key aspect of the negotiations,” he warned.

Regarding the Mexican government’s recent move to impose tariffs on Chinese vehicles, Montoya considered it a necessary action to level the competitive playing field.

“It’s logical that we ask for the rules to be changed, because these vehicles arrive with subsidies and under dumping conditions. We can’t give away our industry. Chinese cars have good technology and prices, but they must compete on a level playing field, also generating jobs and investment in Mexico,” he said.

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El cargo Northeast Mexico, automotive supplier facing USMCA review apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican automotive industry is going through a decisive moment. In the discussion “Accelerating the Automotive Industry: Challenges and Opportunities ,” organized by Mundi , industry leaders analyzed the effects of the current situation, the revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , and the challenges that the transition to electromobility will bring.

Gabriel Padilla Maya, general director of the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) , emphasized that Mexico remains the world’s fourth-largest producer of auto parts , behind only China, the United States, and Japan.

Since the USMCA came into force in 2020, he said the country has consolidated a model of advanced manufacturing and regional integration that now supplies 43% of the parts and components the United States requires to manufacture vehicles.

However, he acknowledged that the industry is facing a “setback,” reflected in the 7% to 8% drop in performance in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023.

The expectation, he added, “is to resume growth after the treaty review in 2026, with an expansion horizon starting in 2027, provided Mexico manages to strengthen its supply chain and integrate more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers.”

From the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra) in Querétaro, Daniel Romero agreed that electromobility is one of the biggest challenges.

He noted that, in addition to charging infrastructure, the country must develop its supply chain for batteries and critical materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. He warned that the USMCA will impose pressures to increase competitiveness compared to Asia and Europe, and emphasized that logistics and security costs remain a challenge for attracting new investment.

For her part, Elisa Crespo, executive president of the Metropolitan Automotive Cluster (CLAUT) , highlighted the sector’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the face of recent disruptions.

He mentioned that more than 50% of companies implemented technical shutdowns in 2024, in coordination with unions, which helped preserve jobs. He also emphasized “the need to strengthen training and continuing education as key instruments to attract investment and maintain competitiveness.”

The analysis also included the views of Guillermo Bernal, a representative of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) , who stated that the USMCA “is more alive than ever” and that the current review should be viewed as an opportunity to modernize the treaty.

He emphasized that the private sector must speak with one voice, strengthen regional integration , and ensure that competitiveness vis-à-vis Asia is maintained through clear rules of origin and greater use of the North American market.

Participants agreed that the negotiation of tariffs with the United States and the definition of rules of origin will be crucial for the immediate future.

At the same time, they emphasized that the Mexican industry must invest in technological innovation , digitalization, and the development of specialized talent to consolidate its position as the region’s automotive hub .

The discussion made it clear that uncertainty will continue to plague the industry, but also that Mexico has a solid foundation to turn challenges into a platform for opportunities.

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El cargo Mexico faces the USMCA review: challenges and opportunities for the automotive industry apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) highlighted that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Mexican government, through the Ministry of Economy (SE) , have begun the process of public consultations leading up to the joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , which will take place in 2026.

In response to the invitation from USTR and the SE to citizens, businesses, and organizations to submit written comments and participate in a public hearing on November 17, 2025 , in Washington, DC, Sergio Contreras Pérez , Executive President of COMCE, announced that the agency is prepared to support the country.

In this context, the Comce reported that, as part of the Cuarto de Junto (Third Quarter )—the consultation and support mechanism in which private sector representatives participate to support the government in international trade negotiations and reviews—the agency will actively participate in this consultation and review process of the USMCA.

To this end, it has accredited members of its International Section for North America, which includes Juan Pablo Cervantes , president of the Section; Kenneth Smith Ramos , president of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Committee; Armando Ortega , president of the Mexico-Canada Bilateral Committee; and Antonio Ortiz-Mena , president of the USMCA Technical Strategy Committee, who are contributing their experience to support the Mexican government in developing proposals that strengthen regional competitiveness and ensure the continuity of the agreement for the benefit of the country.

According to the communication issued by the USTR and the SE, this exercise opens the door for the region’s productive sectors to contribute proposals that strengthen North America’s competitiveness , including topics such as economic security, workforce development, and investment attraction.

“In this context, Mexican companies have a great opportunity to position Made in Mexico as a strategic factor within regional integration, contributing quality and regional content to trilateral value chains,” Contreras Pérez emphasized.

According to the organization’s executive president, the implementation of Plan Mexico , the promotion of the Made in Mexico label  , and the recent reforms to the General Import and Export Tax Law open a new cycle of opportunities for Mexican industries seeking to expand their presence by becoming part of North American supply chains.

“Promoting Made in Mexico strengthens the domestic market and consumption, job creation, and, of course, our industrial fabric, which strengthens supply chains in the North American region,” said the CEO of Comce.

He also highlighted that a few months ago, Comce presented to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum the seven strategic actions it has undertaken to join Plan Mexico , with concrete initiatives to boost value chains, relocate investments, and project Mexico as a reliable and competitive partner in the global economy, Contreras Pérez affirmed.

He mentioned that this context offers new opportunities for Mexican companies in strategic sectors. He explained that, according to Harvard University’s Atlas of Economic Complexity , Mexico has the opportunity to earn up to $123 billion in global markets for certain products , including the production of integrated electronic circuits, sensors, X-ray equipment, cell phones, and packaged medicines, among others.

He also explained that, based on data from the Economic Complexity Observatory for 2024, Mexico is positioning itself as the leading exporter of semiconductors, medicines, televisions, and cell phones in Latin America.

“These figures speak to a Mexico with a favorable environment for the export of advanced manufacturing, reinforced by the interest in increasing the North American regional content in our exports, giving us the opportunity to grow our leadership as a country,” said Sergio Contreras.

Therefore, the Comce proposes that, just as Made in Mexico is promoted for the domestic market, the Made in Mexico, Quality label be used  for all products and packaging destined for international markets, “thus recognizing that our manufacturing, which represents approximately 90% of our exports, boasts true quality,” concluded Contreras Pérez.

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El cargo Review of the USMCA opens historic opportunities for the Mexican industry: Comce apareció primero en T21.

According to the document, from October to December 2024, total trade in goods between Mexico and the United States was $196.334 billion , an increase of 4.8% compared to the same period in 2023; while trade with Canada was $8.335 billion, 1.3% higher than the same period in 2023.

These figures would reflect a good relationship and understanding between the countries that make up the trilateral trade agreement, but the reality is different.

Following Donald Trump’s return to the White House on January 20, a new era also began in trade relations between the three countries, marked by uncertainty and constant threats of imposing tariffs left and right on their regional partners, but also on the rest of the world.

In February 2025, Trump ordered 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada for failing to “curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration to the United States,” angering Canada, which also responded with tariffs against the United States. Mexico has been more measured in its decisions.

The First Government Report indicates that from October 2024 to June 2025 alone, trade in goods between Mexico and its northern neighbor totaled $640.078 billion, based on factors such as the implementation and strengthening of the USMCA, “Mexico’s macroeconomic stability, and institutional cooperation between both nations to resolve trade issues through existing collaboration mechanisms.”

Despite the positive figures generated by the USMCA, and the White House itself has acknowledged that it has been “very effective,” it has also accused its partners of “not respecting it,” issuing a warning: the agreement will soon be renegotiated to “adjust or terminate” it, which would change the rules of regional trade and also impact the logistics sector and supply chains .

Carlos Martner , coordinator of Integrated Transportation and Logistics at the Mexican Institute of Transportation (IMT) , considered that if the 30% tariffs had gone into effect on August 1, there would probably be a rearrangement of supply chains , as exports would decrease as a result of the imposition of this tax.

He explained that the tax would only apply to exports outside the USMCA and that approximately “84% of exports to the United States are subject to zero tariffs, which are part of those covered by the trade agreement.”

Although the USMCA has served as a protective mechanism against threats and impositions of tariffs on Mexico, such as the 50% tariff on steel and aluminum, and the 25% tariff on vehicles, Trump has maintained his warning.

“Mexico has maintained a strategic interest in strengthening the three countries’ work on the USMCA. However, changes in the administrations of the United States and, more recently, Canada, have impacted the dynamics of the work within the treaty’s committees and working groups,” the report noted.

The document added that Mexico has consolidated its position as the United States’ largest trading partner, surpassing Canada and China.

“This reflects the strength of the bilateral economic relationship and Mexico’s strategic role in regional supply chains.”

Given this, the question is: will Mexico be able to successfully complete the negotiations in the next revision of the USMCA despite Trump’s constant threats? We will have to wait until July 2026 or sooner. For now, the First State of the Union address offers a positive outlook, even if uncertainty persists.

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El cargo The crossroads of the USMCA and the Government Report apareció primero en T21.

“It’s a game of one-eyed in the land of the blind,” is how Julio Ruiz, chief economist at Citi , described the current international trade landscape. During the presentation of Citi Mexico’s Economic Analysis , the executive considered that, while everyone, including Mexico, will implement some type of tariff, only those countries that are best positioned will be the most competitive .

In Mexico’s case, Ruiz indicated that if a new agreement is reached within the framework of the revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by early 2026, the country could benefit from two key factors: first, the cost of tariffs, which in Mexico is around 10%, which is relatively low compared to other economies such as Asia ; and second, the highly integrated production chains between Mexico and the United States, which favors the country’s position in the US market.

The executive emphasized that despite the short-term headwinds,  the medium-term outlook offers a positive outlook, provided the current economic uncertainty dissipates . He considered that investment decisions that had been paused could be resumed in a more favorable environment between 2026 and 2027.

The specialist emphasized the importance of waiting for clear definitions within the framework of the USMCA, and how this could represent an economic opportunity for Mexico in the future.

Economic Outlook for Mexico

During the presentation, the results of the Citi Expectations Survey were revealed , in which Mexico showed an upturn in growth projections for 2025, rising from 0.2% to 0.5% . However, a weak pace is expected to continue in the second half of the year, primarily due to global economic uncertainty and the slowdown in the United States.

In terms of inflation, the persistence of core inflation (which excludes goods and services with more volatile prices) outside the target range of the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) , which is between 2% and 4%, continues to worry analysts, who estimate that it will close the year at around 4.2% .

The resistance to the decline in this indicator is primarily due to two factors: on the one hand, goods inflation remains at historically average levels, which puts upward pressure on the underlying component; on the other, the expected slowdown in services inflation is not occurring.

Regarding the exchange rate, it was estimated that the peso will close 2025 at 18.77 pesos per dollar and by 2026 it will be at 20.10 pesos .

Citi’s analysis presents a mixed picture for the Mexican economy: persistent challenges in the short term, exacerbated by trade uncertainty, but also projects opportunities for the medium term, especially if the USMCA review is consolidated. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that it will involve a renegotiation to attempt to modify the trilateral trade agreement.

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El cargo Better-positioned economies will be more competitive against tariffs: Citi apareció primero en T21.

Following a call with her US counterpart, Donald Trump , Mexican President  Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the 90-day exemption from the 30% tariffs on Mexican products imported by the United States, which were to come into effect on August 1 and, among other effects, would have had a negative impact on Mexico’s logistics sector.

At her morning press conference this Thursday, the Mexican president said the 90 days would serve to achieve a better long-term agreement.

He asserted that the new extension is important because it safeguards the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , as everything covered by this agreement is tariff-free, although the tariffs on vehicles, as well as steel and aluminum, of 25% and 50%, respectively, remain in place.

He also emphasized that Mexico’s dialogue with the United States will continue. “We have the best possible agreement, compared to other nations,” he emphasized, noting that “we are staying the same, with nothing additional.”

In the call with Trump, Sheinbaum said she proposed to the White House resident some measures to reduce the United States’ trade deficit with Mexico, although she did not provide details.

For his part, Marcelo Ebrard, head of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , emphasized that the new agreement keeps Mexico in a better position than the rest of the world in terms of tariffs. “All of this was achieved without any other concessions on Mexico’s part, which will benefit the economy and bring us closer to renewing the USMCA,” he said.

He asserted that the 90-day extension underscores the “very special” agreement the United States has with Mexico, and said they will use this pause to reach a broader economic agreement.

Tariff extension, a relief for logistics

Carlos Martner , coordinator of Integrated Transportation and Logistics at the  Mexican Institute of Transportation (IMT) , considered that if the 30% tariffs had gone into effect, there would probably be a rearrangement in the  supply chains , as exports would decrease as a result of the imposition of this rate.

In an interview with T21, he explained that said tax would only apply to exports that are outside the T-MEC and “according to data handled by the Business Coordinating Council (CCE)They estimate that approximately 84% of exports to the United States are tariff-free and are part of the trade agreement.

He pointed out that if the data is correct, the impact would have been approximately the remaining 16%, which would have increased the costs of products outside the trilateral trade agreement.

“What would be expected is for exports to decrease within that percentage in the short term, because although these are necessary products in the United States, due to their cost, the tendency is to reduce exports because they will also have an impact on American consumers,” he said in an interview.

The IMT specialist considered that  cross-border land transport would have been the segment most affected by the 30% tariffs, “and perhaps, to some extent, the railway sector.”

“The trucking sector would be affected because there would be fewer exports, fewer export movements, and, to some extent, probably the railroad sector,” he explained.

In March 2025 alone, border crossings reached one of their highest levels. According to data from the  Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) , total cross-border cargo between the United States and its North American partners reached a value of  $144.8 billion , an increase of  8.4%  compared to the same month the previous year.

During the reference period, trade between Mexico and the United States totaled $55.6 billion, reflecting the importance of the logistics and transportation sector between the two countries. This pause therefore provides a respite for both industries.

Regarding  intermodal transportation , Martner believes there would be minimal impacts “because the supply chains there are very defined and there is basically a predominance of the automotive industry, which we understand is mostly within the USMCA, and some other sectors that send products there, which are also normally important within the trade agreement.”

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El cargo New tariff pause for Mexico gives “breathing space” to the logistics sector apareció primero en T21.

According to the report Five Years After the USMCA: Is North America Still Holding Up? , prepared by the Mexican Trade and Investment Commission (IMCO), between 2019 and 2024, Mexico’s exports to the United States increased by 38 percent, while Canada’s exports to the United States grew by 29 percent . Meanwhile, Mexico’s exports to Mexico and Canada increased by 30 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

During that period, Mexico saw an increase in its exports to the United States in strategic sectors included in Plan Mexico , such as pharmaceuticals, with an 88% increase; chemical products, with a 52% increase; electronics, with a 48% increase; and automotive, with a 35% increase. By 2024, these sectors, along with aerospace and semiconductors, will represent 45% of total Mexican exports to the United States , reaching $274.6 billion, the analysis indicated.

New rules

Although the economic outlook for the three countries that make up the USMCA has been positive since the launch of this trade agreement, a decisive date is approaching: its first mandatory review scheduled for July 2026 , in accordance with Article 34.7 of the treaty, but before that, no later than October 4, 2025, a process of public consultations will begin among relevant actors within the United States on the operation of the agreement, in order to prepare for next year’s review.

The review will be key to determining the treaty’s future . Member countries will consider whether to extend it for 16 years, until 2042, or opt for annual reviews until its original term expires in 2036.

Among the topics anticipated at the negotiating table are rules of origin in the automotive sector ; labor provisions under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM), which has been used 37 times; access to agricultural markets; Mexican energy policy; intellectual property rights; and concerns about Chinese investments in North America, IMCO emphasized.

IMCO’s proposals

In its report, the organization raised several points that could help improve trade relations between the three countries , such as eliminating dumpingpractices ( exporting products at a lower price than they are sold in the domestic market), avoiding the use of sanitary and phytosanitary measures for protectionist purposes, and creating a high-level working group to promote energy security and critical infrastructure.

Regarding Mexico, IMCO suggested initiatives such as the modernization and expansion of 11 ports, strengthening cargo transportation security , and promoting the responsible use of international panels. Therefore, the country must commit to labor legislation, among other factors.

USMCA, an agreement that began with Trump

The USMCA was signed on November 30, 2018, and entered into force on July 1, 2020 , replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which had been in force since 1994. The USMCA was the result of a renegotiation process initiated in 2017 by the first Trump administration, in collaboration with the governments of Mexico and Canada. Despite complex and tense negotiations, the three countries reached the new trade agreement .

However, after Trump’s reelection in November 2024, a new era in trade relations between the three countries began. In February 2025, Trump ordered 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada for failing to “curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration to the United States,” angering trading partners like Canada, which also responded with tariffs against the United States.

Trump also imposed tariffs on strategic products exported by Canada and Mexico to the United States. Last March, he announced a 25% tariff on automobiles and auto parts, and later on steel and aluminum. He is now seeking to impose a 50% tariff on copper, although he has yet to provide further details of this new plan, sparking a global trade war and uncertainty in financial markets.

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El cargo USMCA, amid benefits, challenges, and an upcoming review, turns five. apareció primero en T21.

The document, presented by Susana Duque Roquero , director general of Comce, offers analytical tools focused on supporting companies, decision-makers, and public policy leaders in addressing the new challenges of the global environment.

“We are in a time of redefining rules, where protectionism and geopolitical competition require a structured response. This dossier outlines courses of action to strengthen export capacities, defend the country’s commercial interests, and take advantage of investment and relocation opportunities,” said Susana Duque.

For his part, Sergio Contreras , executive president of the National Commission for Economic Cooperation and Development (COMCE), stated that Mexico must act with vision to strengthen its international leadership. He emphasized that the country exported $617 billion in 2024 , 89% of which was manufactured goods, and that it is the ninth largest destination for foreign direct investment in the world.

In his presentation, Víctor Rojas , Director of Commercial and Institutional Banking at BBVA México in the United States, highlighted that Mexico has established itself as a global platform for trade and investment thanks to its network of treaties, location, infrastructure, and talent. He emphasized that the presentation of the dossier reflects a shared commitment among governments, companies, and institutions to strengthen North America as a dynamic, competitive, and resilient bloc.

Challenges of the USMCA

During the event, the North American Committee Dialogue panel was held , where international trade specialists analyzed the challenges and opportunities facing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the current context, marked by the tariffs imposed by the United States.

Antonio Ortiz-Mena , president of the USMCA Technical Committee of the Comce, stressed that the review of the trade agreement should focus on reducing uncertainty , as was done during the negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and noted the need for Mexico and Canada to act together to demand compliance by the United States with what was agreed upon.

Kenneth Smith, president of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Committee of the Comce, emphasized the integration of productive clusters among the three countries as one of the main strengths of the T-MEC, and suggested activating the dispute settlement chapter if the United States does not withdraw in the coming weeks the tariffs imposed against Mexico, which violate the treaty.

Armando Ortega , president of the Mexico-Canada Bilateral Committee of the Comce, proposed improving connectivity between Mexico and Canadathrough rail and maritime infrastructure, in order to diversify routes and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.

The event concluded with a presentation by María de Haas of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , who called for a review of the USMCA based on five pillars : compliance, sustainability, modernization, inclusion, and resilience. She emphasized that Mexico must lead this process alongside the United States, Canada, the private sector, and academia.

Last May, Secretary of State Marcelo Ebrard emphasized that the USMCA review process would begin in late September or early October and that it would be crucial to assess compliance with the commitments established in the trilateral trade agreement.

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El cargo COMCE publishes dossier to redefine Mexico’s trade strategy apareció primero en T21.