On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, announced in an interview with Bloomberg that the US has decided not to renew the USMCA (known as T-MEC in Mexico) with Mexico and Canada. Instead, the US government will conduct annual reviews of the agreement, a shift that could introduce uncertainty for businesses operating across North America.

This new approach replaces the idea of a long-term renewal with yearly evaluations, potentially leading to more contentious negotiations over supply chain rules. Key sectors likely to feel the impact include the automotive industry, agriculture, and energy companies.

During a press conference on the same day, Mexico City’s Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that the treaty is not being canceled. She explained that if the US does not send the required notification, the USMCA will remain in effect for another 10 years—until 2036. Sheinbaum emphasized, “There is no deadline today; if the US does not send the letter within the next 16 years, the treaty stays valid for its 10-year term. What changes is that there will be an annual review during this period to determine its characteristics.”

Looking ahead, a delegation from the US Trade Representative’s office is scheduled to visit Mexico on July 20, 2026, to continue discussions stemming from this review process.

The USMCA came into force on July 1, 2020, replacing NAFTA. The six-year review mechanism was built into the agreement to assess its performance and decide on a possible extension. This Wednesday marks the formal start of those trilateral conversations between the North American partners.

For migrants and businesses navigating cross-border trade, this evolving framework signals a more dynamic but potentially less predictable environment. Staying informed and adaptable will be key as these annual reviews unfold.