U.S., Mexico, and Canada Begin Formal Consultations Ahead of 2026 USMCA Review
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are officially launching consultations in preparation for the 2026 review of the USMCA trade agreement, according to announcements made Tuesday by U.S. and Mexican officials.
“The U.S., Canada and Mexico are set to formally begin consultations ahead of the review of their regional USMCA trade accord next year, the U.S. and Mexico announced Tuesday. The consultation process began on Wednesday.”
These early-stage discussions mark a significant step in the evaluation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade pact that governs nearly $2 trillion in U.S. goods and services across North America, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
“Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said an evaluation of the trade pact’s results over the past five years will take place between now and the end of the year to prepare for negotiations over a possible extension of the agreement in 2026.”
The USTR has issued a formal notice seeking public comment to help guide the United States’ approach during the consultation period. Input from businesses, trade associations, and the public will help shape future negotiations.
“The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which estimates that the USMCA covers nearly $2 trillion in US goods and services within the region, made a similar announcement in an official notice seeking public comment on the matter.”
Meanwhile, Canada has also expressed its intention to begin consultations, though it has not yet officially launched the process.
“Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last month said his government would also hold industry consultations on the trade agreement this fall, though Canada’s process has not yet formally begun.”
The USMCA, which replaced NAFTA in 2020, includes provisions on digital trade, labor rights, automotive manufacturing, and agricultural exports. As the first formal review period approaches, stakeholders across North America will be closely monitoring negotiations that could impact everything from supply chains to tariffs.
Businesses operating in North America are encouraged to submit comments and stay engaged as consultations continue through the end of the year.