Business organizations from Mexico, the United States, and Canada called on the governments of the three countries to extend and strengthen the USMCA by restoring tariff-free treatment for all goods that comply with the agreement’s rules, according to a joint statement from the Mexican Business Council (CMN), the U.S. Business Roundtable, and the Business Council of Canada.
“Ahead of the upcoming joint review, we urge the three governments to work expeditiously to extend and strengthen the USMCA. Preserving this essential trilateral alliance, deepening cooperation on economic security, and restoring tariff-free treatment for all goods that comply with the USMCA rules would bolster the long-term prosperity of businesses and workers in Mexico, the United States, and Canada,” the statement reads, referring to the first Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
They also urged the preservation of this essential trilateral alliance, the deepening of cooperation on economic security, and the restoration of tariff-free treatment for all goods that comply with the USMCA rules, which would strengthen the long-term prosperity of businesses and workers in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The Mexican Business Council (CMN), whose member companies invest more than $30 billion annually globally; the Business Roundtable, which brings together more than 200 CEOs of leading U.S. companies; and the Business Council of Canada, which unites business leaders from all regions and sectors of the country, highlighted the economic benefits for the three countries stemming from trade and the integration of supply chains in North America.
“Since the USMCA came into effect, cross-border economic activity has increased, boosting growth, job creation, and competitiveness in all three countries,” they stated, explaining that through supply chains, service contracts, and mentorship programs, they support “hundreds of thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs in communities across the country.”
The first joint review of the USMCA will take place on July 1, 2026, six years after its entry into force.
“Extending the USMCA in a timely manner is crucial for the vitality of American businesses. With the first joint review approaching, the Business Roundtable advocates for greater North American integration, increased cooperation on economic security, and the restoration of preferential treatment for all products that comply with the USMCA,” said Nasim Fussell, Vice President for Trade and International Policy at the US Business Roundtable.
The U.S. agency urged the USTR to work closely with the private sector to ensure that any new policy harmonizations reflect the realities of industry and the supply chain.
“In return for such coordination, the parties must reaffirm their commitment to preferential trade with each other. All goods that comply with USMCA standards should be exempt from tariffs,” it emphasized.
Source: elfinanciero
