As the US seeks to reduce dependence on China, Mexican business leaders stress that USMCA must be strengthened to ensure legal certainty, energy stability, and investment opportunities across North America.
“Mexico is not the problem. Mexico is the solution, and we have said this in Washington and in Ottawa. If the United States wants to reduce reliance on China, Mexico is ready with skilled labor and industry,” Juan José Sierra Álvarez, President, Mexico’s Confederation of Employers (COPARMEX) stated. He emphasized the importance of developing a strategy to strengthen the region, reviewing USMCA, ensuring legal certainty in Mexico, and focusing on domestic responsibilities.
Sierra also noted that continued support for the trade agreement is a shared goal among business organizations across member countries, but Mexico must focus on resolving internal matters first. “By addressing issues, we position ourselves better for a review and for competing globally, making Mexico attractive for investment. It is crucial not to become complacent but to work actively to enhance our investment appeal,” he added.
José Carlos Pons, President, National Association of the Chemical Industry (ANIQ), highlighted that USMCA has been a cornerstone of industrial development in the region, tripling chemical trade to over US$60 billion. He noted that 95% of chemicals are essential inputs for sectors like automotive, electronics, appliances, and pharmaceuticals.
“In a period of high geopolitical uncertainty, reviewing USMCA is a unique chance to strengthen regional integration, modernize regulatory frameworks, and provide long-term investment certainty,” Pons said.
Octavio de la Torre, President, Concanaco Servytur, stressed that business unity and coordination with the Mexican government will be key to defending national interests. “The relationship with the United States is not one-sided or replaceable. Economic reality shows that the United States depends on Mexico as much as Mexico depends on the United States. Supply chains, industrial integration, cross-border trade, and regional competitiveness all confirm this,” he said.
US Leaders Support the USMCA
Jim Farley, CEO, Ford, echoed these sentiments in Detroit. “We really see Canada, Mexico, and the United States as an integrated manufacturing system. That is how we approach these negotiations. It is crucial for us.” Mark Reuss, CEO, General Motors, added that the company’s supply chains span all three countries, providing major strength.
The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) told the US Trade Representative in December that USMCA remains the most important trade agreement for US automakers, with over US$210 billion in US automotive investment since its implementation.
“The AAPC urges the administration to preserve the core structure of the USMCA while pursuing targeted improvements, reasonable transition periods, and measures that further strengthen North America’s supply chain resilience,” said Matt Blunt, Council President, representing Ford, GM, and Stellantis. Neil Herrington, Senior Vice President for the Americas, US Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that USMCA supports over 13 million US jobs and called the upcoming review an opportunity to reinforce this agreement.
Canada Sees Opportunities in USMCA but Flags Regulatory Hurdles
Canadian business leaders also view Mexico as an indispensable partner for North American competitiveness, with the USMCA offering significant opportunities to expand trade and strengthen regional supply chains. Organizations such as the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Alberta highlight Mexico’s growing role in energy, critical minerals, and manufacturing, while noting that current trade between the two countries remains modest.
However, challenges remain. The organizations stated that Mexico’s preference for state-owned energy firms like PEMEX, strict control over lithium and other critical minerals, and restrictions on genetically modified crops create uncertainties that could slow trade growth and integration. Canadian groups stress that addressing these regulatory and non-tariff barriers is crucial to ensure the USMCA supports resilient, science-based, and competitive North American supply chains.
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