Overview
On September 17, 2025, the governments of Mexico, the United States, and Canada formally opened the consultation process required by law to assess and possibly revise the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement (USMCA), known in Spanish as T‑MEC. The review will focus on the five‑year implementation period (2020‑2025) and address sensitive topics such as labour laws, tariff policies, and economic competitiveness. (infobae.com)
Key Dates & Participation Windows
-United States
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) solicits input from citizens, enterprises, and associations on any aspect of how USMCA is working or could be made more effective. The comment period is 45 days from the notice (starting September 17), and there will also be a public hearing scheduled for November 17. (infobae.com)
-Mexico
Mexico’s government published its formal invitation in the Diario Oficial de la Federación. Comments will be accepted for an initial 60 days, with the possibility of a 30‑day extension. The Mexican review will focus on how the agreement has functioned since its entry into force in 2020. (infobae.com)
Why the Review Matters
– Legal obligation: The review is mandated by the agreement itself—it’s not optional. The USMCA was ratified by all three countries’ legislatures, and this five‑year review is one of its built‑in mechanisms. (infobae.com)
– Sensitive topics: Labor practices in the U.S., customs and tariff regimes, and overall competitiveness will be evaluated. These are areas where alignment or divergence can have serious economic effects for all three nations. (infobae.com)
– Timeline: USMCA came into force on July 1, 2020. The agreement is initially valid for 16 years—unless, before that expires, the parties confirm they want to extend the same text for another 16 years. The review is required now because five years have elapsed. (infobae.com)
Challenges & Stakeholder Stakes
Various parties are watching closely: industries reliant on cross‑border trade, labour unions, environmental groups, and companies concerned with regulatory certainty. Some potential areas of tension include:
– Differences in labour law enforcement among the three countries
– Proposed changes in tariff or trade remedy policies
– Impact of external economic pressures (e.g. inflation, supply chain disruptions)
– How competitiveness and economic security are balanced
Looking Forward
The months ahead will see a gathering of input from multiple sectors. These consultations are the opportunity for stakeholders to suggest how USMCA’s implementation can be strengthened or adjusted to better reflect current economic realities. The findings could lead to formal recommendations and potential amendments to the treaty framework.
Call to Action
Why It Matters
The upcoming review of the USMCA is more than a procedural step—it’s a defining moment for North American trade and competitiveness. With evolving labor rules, tariff adjustments, and economic pressures at stake, businesses that anticipate change will be best positioned to thrive.
As cross-border integration deepens, your company has the opportunity to strengthen operations, diversify supply chains, and seize new market advantages. Now is the time to prepare. Learn how American Industries can guide your business through the next chapter of North American trade.
