The United States is outlining key supply chain priorities ahead of the six-year joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), scheduled to begin July 1, 2026. Rather than simply extending the trilateral trade pact, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) signaled it will seek targeted updates to strengthen North American supply chain resilience and competitiveness.
Testifying before Congress, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jayme White said that while USMCA has helped facilitate robust trade growth, the U.S. intends to press for improvements rather than rubber-stamping an extension. Among the top priorities is revisiting rules of origin, especially outside the automotive sector, to close loopholes and discourage production shifts outside North America.
Another focus is improving tariff alignment and customs procedures. While USMCA eliminates many tariffs, recent trade disputes have exposed the need for more coordinated trade enforcement and clearer cross-border rules to reduce friction and ensure compliance.
White also emphasized the need to strengthen protections for U.S. agricultural producers, particularly in dairy and produce markets. Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about access restrictions and regulatory imbalances that put American farmers at a disadvantage.
A fourth priority is enhancing collaboration on critical minerals, vital for industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy. The U.S. seeks to build a more integrated North American strategy to secure these inputs and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.
Finally, the U.S. plans to reinforce labor and environmental standards, including expanding enforcement mechanisms for forced labor bans and boosting regional cooperation on sustainability.
These five priorities suggest that the 2026 USMCA review will be a critical moment for reshaping North American trade and fortifying regional supply chains.
