Canadian and Mexican officials have reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the trilateral structure of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of upcoming review talks.

Officials from both countries said the agreement remains essential for regional economic cooperation. They stressed that Canada, Mexico and the United States benefit from the existing three-nation framework.

Their comments came during a conference in Mexico City, where government representatives discussed the future of the trade pact. Canada’s ambassador to Mexico, Cameron MacKay, and Mexico’s deputy trade secretary Luis Rosendo Gutierrez both highlighted the agreement’s importance.

Meanwhile, officials indicated that preserving the trilateral structure will remain a priority as the countries prepare for the upcoming review of the deal.

📊 USMCA Remains Key to North American Trade

The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020, governs trade between the three countries.

Since its implementation, the agreement has helped support regional supply chains and cross-border investment across North America.

Canada’s ambassador emphasized that the agreement provides a strong foundation for cooperation between the countries. Therefore, officials from Canada and Mexico want to ensure that future negotiations maintain the three-country structure.

Analysts say the review process could shape how trade rules evolve across North America in the coming years.

⚠️ Concerns About Potential Bilateral Deals

The discussion about maintaining the trilateral structure comes as some policymakers in Washington signal interest in pursuing bilateral trade arrangements instead of a three-country agreement.

Canadian and Mexican officials said they prefer to keep the existing framework rather than break the pact into separate bilateral deals.

They argue that the trilateral agreement helps create stable trade rules for businesses and investors operating across the region.

As a result, both countries continue to promote cooperation through the current agreement.

🔍 Trade Tensions and Investigations Add Pressure

The upcoming review also occurs during a period of rising trade tensions.

The United States recently launched two trade investigations involving 16 trading partners. These investigations focus on issues such as forced labour and industrial overcapacity.

Officials say the investigations aim to strengthen the U.S. position in trade negotiations. The move followed a court ruling that weakened parts of the administration’s tariff strategy.

Mexico could face scrutiny under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. However, Mexican officials have minimized concerns about the investigation.

Mexico’s economy minister Marcelo Ebrard said most trade between Mexico and the United States remains protected by the USMCA.

🌐 North American Trade Relations Under Review

The USMCA includes a built-in six-year review mechanism, which requires the three countries to evaluate the agreement and consider possible updates.

Therefore, upcoming discussions could determine whether the agreement continues in its current form or evolves through new provisions.

Canada, which ranks as the second-largest trading partner of the United States, has not been included among the countries targeted in the latest U.S. investigations.

For now, officials from Canada and Mexico say their priority remains clear: protect the trilateral trade framework that underpins North American economic cooperation.