With the clock ticking towards the first official review of the USMCA on July 1, Mexico has broken ranks by proposing a 16-year extension to the North American trade pact – a move designed to lock in regional supply chains and counter growing protectionist sentiment in Washington.
Mexico commits to long-term renewal
Mexico has officially notified the United States and Canada of its backing for a 16-year extension of the North American trade deal known as T-MEC (USMCA), Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters on Tuesday.
“Mexico is also in favour of renewing the agreement. In any case, it will remain in force for many more years, but we would like to see it extended by 16 years,” Ebrard said following a meeting between Mexican and Spanish business leaders.
According to the minister, the corresponding notification has already been sent to the US and Canadian governments.
Formal letter sent to US and Canadian counterparts
As reported by Mexican media, on June 1 Ebrard dispatched an official letter to the US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, and Canada’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc. In the document, Mexico reaffirms its commitment to “the shared prosperity of North America” and argues that extending the agreement is essential to ensuring predictability for investors and sustaining regional economic growth.
“Mexico’s position is to extend the agreement by another 16 years and to seek arrangements that benefit all three countries on the basis of mutual respect and consensus,” the letter states.
USMCA remains cornerstone of regional integration
The Mexican government notes that nearly six years after the USMCA came into force, the pact continues to serve as a key element of North American economic integration, helping to strengthen regional supply chains and attract investment.
The letter also references consultations carried out by Mexico’s economy ministry in 2025, during which business representatives and industry associations supported the renewal of the deal and called for the removal of US tariffs on steel and aluminium imposed under Section 232 of US law, as well as several other trade restrictions.
Canada backs extension, US yet to respond
Canada has also sent a letter to Washington in support of extending the agreement. Minister LeBlanc said the deal was beneficial for all three countries and for the integrated economy of North America.
A joint review of the USMCA is scheduled for July 1, in line with Article 34.7 of the agreement. According to press reports, Washington has not yet issued an official response to either Mexico’s or Canada’s request.
The trilateral trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada came into force on July 1, 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which had been in effect since 1994. The deal governs trade and economic relations among the three countries and provides for a joint review of its provisions every six years.
