Experts’ Consensus on Proactive USMCA Review
Trade experts in Monterrey, NL, align with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, advocating for Mexico to proactively review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as soon as possible. The focus areas include rules of origin, intellectual property, and safeguarding strategic sectors amidst unilateral pressures from President Trump.
Eugenio Salinas: Key Focus Areas for USMCA Review
Eugenio Salinas, former coordinator of the Cuarto de Junto, highlighted three crucial points for USMCA review:
- Rules of Origin: The 125 actors currently coordinated by Judith Garza in the Cuarto de Junto should analyze this aspect.
- Strategic Sectors: Emphasize opportunities in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
- Lobbying Congress: Engage with Washington to counteract Trump’s unilateral pressures, focusing on rules of origin and intellectual property.
Salinas also mentioned other topics such as trade facilitation to address bottlenecks, particularly at northern border crossings, and environmental and labor issues.
Early USMCA Review to Minimize Uncertainty
Jesús Herrera Casso, president of COMCE Noreste, echoed the need for an early USMCA review to eliminate uncertainty. He stated that having clearer rules in a shorter timeframe would prevent prolonged periods of uncertainty.
Herrera Casso pointed out that the Mexican government’s close collaboration with the US in decision-making and Washington meetings suggests that deadlines will likely be met, which would be highly beneficial.
He urged export-oriented companies in Nuevo León and northeastern Mexico to actively participate in the International Trade Forum on May 15-16, where Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard and Altagracia Gómez, coordinator of the Business Advisory Council, will hear their perspectives directly.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of the experts’ recommendations for the USMCA review?
Experts emphasize reviewing rules of origin, intellectual property, and safeguarding strategic sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. - Why is it crucial to conduct an early USMCA review?
An early review minimizes uncertainty, allowing businesses to adapt more quickly to new rules and avoid prolonged periods of ambiguity. - What role do trade experts and business leaders play in the USMCA review process?
Trade experts and business leaders advocate for proactive measures, lobby Congress to counteract unilateral pressures, and ensure that the review addresses critical issues like trade facilitation, environmental concerns, and labor rights.
