The review of the USMCA could lead to a period of up to 10 years of annual reviews if the three countries fail to reach a comprehensive agreement in 2026, a scenario that would prolong uncertainty for strategic sectors such as automotive and manufacturing, warned Juan Carlos Baker, general director of Ansley International Consultants and former undersecretary of Foreign Trade.
During his participation in the El Financiero Meet Point forum, the specialist explained that although the business and political sectors have assumed July 1, 2026 as a key date for the review of the trade agreement, the treaty provides for flexibility margins that could extend the process for several years.
Article 34.7 of the USMCA establishes that the review must be carried out six years after its entry into force, which occurred on July 1, 2020; however, he clarified that there is no obligation to conclude the process on that specific date.
If consensus is not reached in 2026, the treaty could enter a mechanism of successive annual reviews until 2036, he explained.
Private sector works together with Marcelo Ebrard
Rogelio Garza Garza, executive president of the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA), stated that dialogue between the Federal Government and the private sector continues to function permanently, especially on issues related to trade negotiations with the US.
"It is working well. Although the name changed, they removed 'Cuarto de Junto', but the consultation is still there," and he explained that there is constant communication with the Secretary of Economy and his team, as well as coordination during visits and meetings held in Washington.
"We work hand in hand with Secretary Ebrard and his team, we are very coordinated in everything, including when we go to Washington," he said.
With information from El Financiero
