Mexico and United States launch third round of USMCA (T-MEC) negotiations

Mexico and the United States opened a three‑day, bilateral round of USMCA (T‑MEC) talks on 21 July 2026 in Mexico City. The United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer led the U.S. delegation, while Mexico’s economy secretary Marcelo Ebrard represented the host. Canada was not present.

The agenda covers steel and aluminum tariffs, automotive rules of origin, agricultural market access, labor standards, economic security and electronic‑payment services. Mexico seeks to preserve its tariff‑free access for roughly 85 % of its exports to the United States, secure reductions in U.S. Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum and autos, and obtain certainty for long‑term investment despite the shift to annual reviews after the United States declined to extend the pact for another 16 years.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has stressed the goal of reaching substantive agreements in this first year so that future reviews become a simple compliance checklist rather than a full renegotiation each year. Industry groups, including BlackRock, warn that the uncertainty may slow new investment but note Mexico’s structural advantages and the treaty’s role in supporting roughly $1.6 trillion of annual North‑American trade and millions of jobs.

The negotiations are expected to conclude by the end of the week, with Mexico aiming to lock in favorable terms for its manufacturing, automotive, and agricultural sectors.