The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean has warned that separate U.S. negotiations with Mexico and Canada could, formally or in practice, reshape the trilateral structure of the USMCA.
In its latest international trade outlook, ECLAC said the agreement’s review is adding uncertainty to investment decisions and the reorganization of North American production networks.
The commission also highlighted Mexico’s important role in regional manufacturing supply chains, noting that several U.S. industries rely on goods and production processes based in Mexico.
Bilateral talks are already part of the current review process. Mexico and the United States have held dozens of technical meetings covering rules of origin, economic security, trade barriers, intellectual property, and tariff measures.
ECLAC said global trade shifts and production relocation have created opportunities for Mexican industries including automotive manufacturing, auto parts, and electronics, although uncertainty over the regional trade framework remains.
For now, the USMCA remains in force as a trilateral agreement, while Mexico, the United States, and Canada continue separate discussions on specific trade issues.
Source: El Economista
