
The USMCA's entry into force increases the stability of the Mexico-US trade relationship (worth USD614.5 billion in 2019), but sunset provisions threaten to generate trade regulation uncertainty every six years. Overall, the USMCA is highly positive for Mexico, with 83.5% of its exports sold to the US in 2019.
Will the USMCA help Mexico’s economy?
Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has declared that the USMCA will differentiate Mexico from other countries, and he is hopeful that its implementation will boost the economy.
Is the USMCA good for the US?
The USMCA is a proposed tri-lateral trade agreement intended to replace the current “North American Free Trade Agreement” (“NAFTA”), between these three nations. The USMCA is Good for the U.S., Good for Mexico, and Good for Canada, and here are a few reasons why.
What if Mexico violates USMCA labor requirements?
Any Mexican violation of USMCA labor requirements, including the need to pay higher wages and eliminate child and forced labor, would increase the risk of penalties for exporters. A government support program for the Mexican automotive industry would facilitate its compliance with increased costs and additional regulation.
What is USMCA and how does it affect NAFTA?
USMCA includes substantial improvements to NAFTA, which will benefit all three nations.
How did Mexico become a manufacturing powerhouse?
Is Mexico booming?
Is Mexico a manufacturing country?

What are the positives of USMCA?
USMCA boosts e-commerce and the digital economy in several ways. As mentioned above, the agreement exempts digital products from customs duties and other discriminatory measures. It also prevents any country from imposing data-localization requirements.
What are the cons of USMCA for Mexico?
USMCA cons – The cons of USMCA involve reduced protections for certain industries, as well as general costs involved with stronger labor protections:Drug manufacturers can no longer enjoy monopolistic control over biologics.Higher-wage factory regulations may entail modest increases to production costs.
Is Mexico a member of USMCA?
The United States, Mexico, and Canada updated NAFTA to create the new USMCA. USMCA is mutually beneficial for North American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.
Why would Mexico benefit from NAFTA?
NAFTA boosted Mexican farm exports to the United States, which have tripled since the pact's implementation. Hundreds of thousands of auto manufacturing jobs have also been created in the country, and most studies have found [PDF] that the agreement increased productivity and lowered consumer prices in Mexico.
What are two positives of the USMCA?
Customs & Trade Facilitation USMCA will help reduce red tape at the border, reduce costs, and increase predictability for cross-border transactions. Raises the “de minimis” customs thresholds under which U.S. businesses may export to Canada and Mexico with reduced paperwork and without paying taxes or duties.
Why and how has Mexico's economy changed in recent years?
In the period between 2010 and 2018, the Mexican economy grew at an average of 2.8%, however, due to the fall in oil prices in 2019 and the global economic crisis caused by COVID-19 in 2020, the economy has been affected in recent years It is foreseen that it will grow during 2021.
What trade agreements does Mexico have?
Mexico has 13 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 50 countries—including USMCA and FTAs with the European Union, European Free Trade Area, Japan, Israel, 10 countries in Latin America, and the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Is there a free trade agreement with Mexico?
Foreign relations Mexico has 13 free trade agreements covering 50 countries (and trading networks spanning north, south, east and west), making it one of the world's broadest networks of free trade agreements. Mexico was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2021-22.
What trade agreement is Mexico apart of?
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented to promote trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The agreement, which eliminated most tariffs on trade between the three countries, went into effect on Jan. 1, 1994.
How does Mexico benefit from trade?
Following the NAFTA agreement, preferential trading with Mexico made it profitable for U.S. and multinational companies to manufacture goods in America, as these could then be exported throughout North America without tariffs. This allowed Mexico to diversify its export economy and shift away from oil significantly.
Why is NAFTA not working for Mexico?
NAFTA provided no social contract. It offered neither aid for Mexico nor labor, health or environmental standards. The agreement protected corporate investors; everyone else was on his or her own.
Has Mexico lost or won NAFTA?
Upon passage, NAFTA did bring benefits to Mexico, such as more private investment, but it failed initially to create the jobs that were promised. NAFTA was passed during a time of recession in Mexico, which contributed to the minimal effect of the Act.
USMCA: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT’S GOOD - Braumiller Law Group
President Trump has brought international trade to the forefront of today’s political and business discussions more than any President in modern history.
The Benefits of USMCA - Chuck Grassley
Access to Markets. Preserves and enhances U.S. duty-free access to Mexican and Canadian markets. Agriculture. Increases market access for U.S. farmers with new export opportunities for U.S. dairy, poultry and egg producers.
What is the USMCA?
After a year and a half of talks, the United States, Mexico, and Canada have reached an agreement on trade and commercial matters. What was once called the NAFTA is now known as the USMCA. There will be a number of benefits of the United States Mexico Free Trade Agreement that will be experienced by the citizens of the three countries that are signatories to the accord. The new rules that define the USMCA should come into effect in the second half of 2019. Among the new features of the updated accord are:
Which chapter of the USMCA states that each party shall provide that its designated authorities may initiate border measures against counterfeit products?
Additionally, Article 5 of Chapter 20 of the USMCA states that “each party shall provide that its designated authorities may initiate border measures against counterfeit products of trademarks or products pirated with copyrights in customs.”
What is the free trade agreement between Mexico and Canada?
Under Chapter 19 of the United States Mexico Canada Free Trade Agreement, the distribution of digital products (movies, music, videos, and books , among others, will be free of customs duties and other discriminatory measures. The text of the agreement reads that “No party shall grant less favorable treatment to digital products created, produced, published, contracted or made available for the first time under commercial conditions in the territory of another Party (partner to the agreement), or digital products of which the author, the performer, the producer, the developer or owner is a person from another Party, which is granted to other similar digital products.
Who is the Vice President of Tecma?
John Rippee. Tecma benefits from the disciplines and experiences of John having served in the U.S. military which qualifies him to be Vice President of Tecma’s transportation divisions in both El Paso and San Diego.
What is the USMCA in Mexico?
USMCA Mexico effects. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ( USMCA) updates the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), with modifications including a focus on resolution of disputes at a local level prior to international arbitration. The USMCA includes new provisions on intellectual property, digital trade, ...
Who is the US trade representative for Mexico?
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on 17 June that the US would take action "early and often" to challenge any potential violations of the USMCA. Mexico's automotive, steel, and aluminium industries are likely to struggle to meet new USMCA local content requirements.
Does the USMCA stabilize Mexico?
Although the USMCA stabilizes Mexico's external trade relations during the global recession, its foreign direct investment inflows are still likely to be limited by a broader deterioration of the business environment under the current Mexican administration.
Is the USMCA positive for Mexico?
Overall, the USMCA is highly positive for Mexico, with 83.5% of its exports sold to the US in 2019. Its introduction also removes the US threat to withdraw unilaterally from NAFTA, and the business uncertainties generated by USMCA negotiations.
Is IHS Markit resumed?
IHS Markit will resume our in-person events once it is safe to do so.
How does USMCA benefit small businesses?
The USMCA eliminates local presence requirements for cross-border service providers, benefitting small businesses by removing the unnecessary burden of opening a foreign office as a condition for doing business.
What is the USMCA?
The United States, Mexico, and Canada Agreement (USMCA) recognizes the fundamental role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as engines of the North American economy. In fact, Mexico and Canada are the top two export destinations for U.S. SME goods.
What is the purpose of the Customs and Trade Facilitation Chapter?
The Customs and Trade Facilitation Chapter will also help cut red tape and ease international trade for SMEs through provisions requiring online publication of laws, regulations, contact information, tariffs, taxes and other fees; documentation required for customs clearance; and procedures to correct errors. In addition, the chapter includes an expanded scope of advanced rulings by customs authorities, as well as provisions requiring an online searchable database for customs information for the benefit of the trade community, and expedited release of express shipments.
What is the purpose of the SME chapter?
It establishes information-sharing tools that will help SMEs better understand the benefits of the agreement and provides other information useful for SMEs doing business in the region. The chapter also establishes a committee on SME issues comprised of government officials from each country.
What is the USMCA agreement?
From Mexico’s perspective, the USMCA agreement represents an opportunity to keep doing business with its largest trading partner, the United States, and offers a beacon of hope to reactivate the Mexican economy once the crisis caused by the pandemic is over.
Why is the USMCA an obstacle to trade?
Many foreign and national companies in Mexico perceive the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) as an obstacle because it contains more restrictions than the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that it replaces. This includes new duties on steel and aluminum, and an increase in the percentage ...
Why did Mexico go through a long period of economic uncertainty during the negotiations to replace NAFTA?
The process resulted in investment being driven out because companies were wary regarding their long-term options. When the protracted negotiations were finally concluded, Mexico was the first country to sign and ratify the new agreement, followed a short time later by the U.S. On March 13, the Canadian Parliament ratified the USMCA before taking a three-week break forced by the COVID-19 emergency.
When will the USMCA go into effect?
trade representative recently announced the agreement will go into effect on July 1. So, it seems we are closer than ever.
Which country was the first to sign the USMCA?
When the protracted negotiations were finally concluded, Mexico was the first country to sign and ratify the new agreement, followed a short time later by the U.S. On March 13, the Canadian Parliament ratified the USMCA before taking a three-week break forced by the COVID-19 emergency.
Who wrote the USMCA?
This is the second installment in a three-part series addressing implications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It was written by Alejandra Diaz, Senior Analyst in Global Trade Content at Thomson Reuters; and Moises Garcia, Senior Foreign Trade Implementation Specialist at Thomson Reuters. You can read the first installment of this series here.
Who is the president of Mexico?
A differentiator for Mexico. Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has declared that the USMCA will differentiate Mexico from other countries, and he is hopeful that its implementation will boost the economy.
What is the USMCA?
While less tangible, the agreement’s biggest shift will take place at the macroeconomic level, as the USMCA solidifies trade rules and provides greater certainty for North American businesses operating across the continent. Ever since the USMCA’s negotiations began, the economic climate has been wracked by uncertainty, especially when specific issues threatened to derail the agreement or every time that the U.S. administration threatened to pull out of NAFTA without any viable alternative.
What has happened since the USMCA negotiations began?
Ever since the USMCA’s negotiations began, the economic climate has been wracked by uncertainty, especially when specific issues threatened to derail the agreement or every time that the U.S. administration threatened to pull out of NAFTA without any viable alternative.
Why did Home Depot workers strike in Mexico?
For example, as of mid-January 2020, Home Depot workers in Mexico began striking to demand better conditions, salary and benefits. While the labor union representing the company’s workers has previously backed other strikes, it specifically cited Mexico’s new labor reform bill and the USMCA’s labor provisions as supporting their demands.
When did Mexico pass labor reforms?
To achieve these changes, Mexico passed labor reforms on May 1, 2019, giving workers more rights and unions more power to organize.
How much is Mexico's auto industry worth?
However, given the size of Mexico’s automotive industry — with combined auto and auto parts markets of around $150 billion — any changes will cause significant ripples across the country’s economy.
Is the USMCA a law?
Two and a half years and many negotiations later, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has finally passed both chambers of the United States’ Congress. The agreement — which overhauls North America’s trade relations — is now poised to become U.S. law and the region’s governing economic framework, as Mexico’s Congress has already passed the deal and Canada’s Parliament is expected to follow suit in late January.
Is USMCA boosting investment in Mexico?
However, USMCA alone cannot overcome all the hurdles to boosting investment in Mexico. Within Mexico, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration has adopted a pragmatic course, but also spooked investors with some of their changes.
How does the USMCA help the economy?
The USMCA offers real and substantial economic growth to the U.S. economy within its first few years. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) projects the USMCA will spur $34 billion in investments in U.S. auto plants, $23 billion in American auto parts sales, and create 76,000 new industry jobs over the course of five years. The USTR estimates that the employment gains would include approximately 22,800 automotive assembly jobs, 8,000 additional advanced battery supplier jobs, and 45,600 additional automotive supplier jobs ( The Hill “New NAFTA Would Give $60B Boost to Auto Sector”, published April 23 rd, 2019).
Why is the USMCA good?
Why the USMCA is Good for the U.S. Mexico and Canada. USMCA includes substantial improvements to NAFTA, which will benefit all three nations. It is truly a 21 st Century tri-lateral trade agreement that not only codifies the evolution of how international trade is now conducted in this hemisphere, but the agreement is constructed ...
How much would the USMCA add to the economy?
A study by the “International Trade Commission” (“ITC”) concluded that the USMCA would add an estimated $68.2 billion to the U.S. economy, and would create approximately 176,000 new jobs.
What is the USMCA?
The focus on international trade in this hemisphere is the newly minted “United States Mexico Canada” trade agreement (“USMCA”).
Is the USMCA good for Canada?
The USMCA is a proposed tri-lateral trade agreement intended to replace the current “North American Free Trade Agreement” (“NAFTA”), between these three nations. The USMCA is Good for the U.S., Good for Mexico, and Good for Canada, and here are a few reasons why.
Is USMCA a trilateral agreement?
USMCA includes substantial improvements to NAFTA, which will benefit all three nations. It is truly a 21 st Century tri-lateral trade agreement that not only codifies the evolution of how international trade is now conducted in this hemisphere, but the agreement is constructed with a vision towards the future, and adaptability to continue to track and stay up-to-date as to how international trade between the three nations will be conducted in the years to come.
Is the USMCA an improvement on NAFTA?
Some detractors have alleged that while the USMCA is an upgrade and improvement from NAFTA, the newly proposed trade agreement suffers from imperfections. However, any imperfections in the USMCA are substantially overcome by the improvements on almost all fronts from NAFTA, and with the internal deadline to amend and improve, the USMCA has been created in order to adapt and grow with the ever-evolving world of international trade, something that the 1994 model NAFTA simply wasn’t built to do.
Why is the USMCA an obstacle to Mexico?
Many companies in Mexico perceive the USMCA as an obstacle because it contains more restrictions than NAFTA, but there are benefits for the country too
What is the USMCA agreement?
From Mexico’s perspective, the USMCA agreement represents an opportunity to keep doing business with its largest trading partner, the United States, and offers a beacon of hope to reactivate the Mexican economy once the crisis caused by the pandemic is over.
Why did Mexico go through a long period of economic uncertainty during the negotiations to replace NAFTA?
The process resulted in investment being driven out because companies were wary regarding their long-term options. When the protracted negotiations were finally concluded, Mexico was the first country to sign and ratify the new agreement, followed a short time later by the U.S. On March 13, the Canadian Parliament ratified the USMCA before taking a three-week break forced by the COVID-19 emergency.
Which country was the first to sign the USMCA?
When the protracted negotiations were finally concluded, Mexico was the first country to sign and ratify the new agreement, followed a short time later by the U.S. On March 13, the Canadian Parliament ratified the USMCA before taking a three-week break forced by the COVID-19 emergency.
When will the USMCA go into effect?
trade representative recently announced the agreement will go into effect on July 1. So, it seems we are closer than ever.
Who is the president of Mexico?
A differentiator for Mexico. Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has declared that the USMCA will differentiate Mexico from other countries, and he is hopeful that its implementation will boost the economy.
Is Mexico a USMCA country?
Mexico appears to fare well under USMCA. The effects of these changes can only be projected at this stage, but what can be seen is that, despite U.S. pressure, the Mexican auto industry did not suffer a setback in the USMCA negotiations.
What is the USMCA?
The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which had been in place since 1994. It sets a new framework for North American regional integration among the three nations.
What would happen if the USMCA was approved?
Approval of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) could change trade within the North American region, affecting output and weakening North America’s global competitiveness.
What percentage of the USMCA is used for electrical parts?
Rather than applying NAFTA’s uniform content standard for vehicle parts, USMCA sets separate content requirements (the percentage that must be produced in North America) for three groups: core parts, such as engines and transmissions, 75 percent; principal parts, like electrical and electronic parts, 70 percent; and complementary parts, which include brake systems and miscellaneous parts, 65 percent.
What are the factors that affect Mexico's exports?
Trade conflicts between the U.S. and China have also been a factor behind Mexico’s recent export performance. Electrical and optical equipment, machinery, footwear and textiles are among the sectors where the U.S. has imposed high tariffs on China and where Mexico competes with China for market share.
How did China's market share loss affect Mexico?
China’s market share losses positively affected Mexico’s manufacturing production in sectors in which China lost the most. However, even though Mexico has been able to gain some output from trade diversion, this improvement has come at someone else’s expense since trade diversion entails an efficiency loss.
Will the USMCA change trade?
Approval of the USMCA, an update to the almost quarter-century-old NAFTA, could by itself change trade. Indeed, costs—especially in the key automotive sector—will rise and tend to make North American products potentially less competitive than they might have been over the longer term, depressing Mexico’s GDP.
Is Mexico a beneficiary of trade diversion?
and China and the imposition of retaliatory tariffs that began in 2018. Mexico has been a beneficiary of trade diversion, accounting for a portion of what China previously supplied to the U.S.
How did Mexico become a manufacturing powerhouse?
It took more than a decade’s worth of progress for Mexico to become a manufacturing powerhouse. It all started with NAFTA, as it helped to revolutionize the way modern economies would work. As time progressed the USMCA also made significant contributions to strengthen Mexico’s chances of becoming an attractive foreign investment opportunity
Is Mexico booming?
There is no denying that the economy of Mexico is booming due to the foreign investment influx. However, the fact remains that the country’s market is still in an emerging phase. Whoever beats the rush and takes advantage of the distinct opportunities can reap the benefits of conducting business in Mexico. Some of these benefits are:
Is Mexico a manufacturing country?
If we go by numbers, Mexico is part of an elite list of countries with the best global manufacturing economies. Here are a few things that Mexico specializes in.
