Private-sector representatives have emphasized that the United States should enter the upcoming review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) without imposing tariffs on companies from its partner countries. The position was outlined by Judith Garza, coordinator of the private sector’s Cuarto de Junto for the agreement’s review.
Garza noted that the more than one thousand proposals recently received by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) suggest broad support for maintaining the trade pact. She added that Mexico’s Ministry of Economy is expected to conduct a similar consultation process soon.
She highlighted that addressing current tariffs—including those linked to Section 232 of the U.S. National Security law on steel and aluminum, as well as measures under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act—will be essential, given that the agreement is designed to facilitate free market access.
In the Mexican Senate, Waldo Fernández, chair of the USMCA Oversight Commission, announced that a forum will open on Thursday to develop recommendations that will be submitted to the Ministry of Economy as part of the review process.
The forum will include 16 working groups over two days, followed by preliminary conclusions. Among the proposals the Senate aims to advance is that Mexico seek the removal of these tariffs in the review, scheduled to conclude in June 2026.
Fernández also pointed out that the U.S. steel sector has experienced supply challenges, as steel previously processed in Mexico and re-exported to the U.S. has been affected by the tariff measures.
He added that while the U.S. has initiated dispute panels over alleged non-compliance in various areas, Mexico also seeks to highlight that the imposition of these tariffs may be inconsistent with the commitments of the agreement.
Source: El Diario MX
