While officials aim to resolve as many outstanding issues as possible before that date, a full agreement is unlikely to be reached in time. As a result, July 1 is expected to serve more as a political checkpoint than a firm endpoint for negotiations.
The review is part of the agreement’s built-in six-year mechanism, requiring member countries to decide whether to extend the deal or pursue changes. If consensus is not achieved, negotiations could move into a broader renegotiation phase.
Key areas of discussion include trade flows in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, as well as steel and aluminum. U.S. officials have indicated interest in adjusting elements of the agreement to reshape regional trade balances.
Washington is also considering a differentiated approach, negotiating specific terms separately with Mexico and Canada based on their distinct trade dynamics.
Talks with Mexico are already underway, while negotiations with Canada are expected to begin in the coming months, narrowing the window for a comprehensive agreement before July. Additionally, the U.S. government must outline its position and notify Congress by June 1, a key step in the review process.
Overall, the review process is shaping up to be gradual, with potential adjustments extending beyond the original timeline.
Source: El Financiero
