U.S. and Mexico Schedule USMCA Talks for September

The United States and Mexico have scheduled a fourth round of negotiations to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for early September in Washington. This follows a third round of talks in Mexico City between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard.

Jamieson Greer indicated to the Senate that the U.S. seeks interim trade agreements this year, while leaving more complex USMCA modifications for 2027. The negotiations occur after the administration of Donald Trump decided on July 1 not to extend the USMCA, triggering a 10-year wind-down period unless new terms are established.

Significant friction remains regarding automotive production and tariffs. The U.S. demands that vehicles contain 50% U.S. content for preferential market access, a proposal Mexico has rejected. Mexico is seeking the removal of Section 232 national security tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum, though President Trump has refused to ease them. Marcelo Ebrard reported that while the talks were constructive on steel and aluminum, a recent U.S. trade ruling under Section 301 does not change the effective tariffs for over 80 percent of Mexican exports that comply with USMCA rules of origin.