In a significant shift in North American trade dynamics, the United States and Mexico are set to begin a series of bilateral negotiations to revamp the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Notably, the Trump administration's trade agency has announced these talks without any mention of Canada's involvement, despite the scheduled tripartite review of the agreement this year.
The first of three negotiating rounds kicks off this week in Mexico City. Deputy US Trade Representative Jeffrey Goettman is leading the discussions on Thursday and Friday, with a primary focus on economic security and the rules of origin for key industrial goods. Meanwhile, USTR Jamieson Greer remains in Washington to attend a White House cabinet meeting.
The diplomatic roadmap extends through the summer. A second round of negotiations is scheduled for June 16 to 17 in Washington, focusing on agriculture and establishing a "level playing field." The third and final set of talks will return to Mexico City during the week of July 20.
According to the USTR, these negotiations are designed to ensure the USMCA provides tangible benefits to a wide range of US stakeholders, including manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, workers, and service suppliers. Special emphasis is being placed on supporting businesses of all sizes, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
As global markets watch closely, the decision to pursue bilateral tracks within a trilateral framework may signal evolving priorities in North American trade strategy, potentially impacting international supply chains and investment flows across the region.
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Mexico, US set three rounds of USMCA trade talks without Canada
cgtn.com
