The United States has declined to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form following a mandatory joint review with its North American partners. The agreement will remain in force, however, while the three countries work to resolve outstanding issues.
Joint Review and Outcome
Representatives from the United States, Mexico, and Canada met virtually on July 1, 2026, as part of the USMCA's six-year joint review mechanism. This mechanism requires the parties to assess the operation of the agreement and determine whether to extend it. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the outcome on X, stating that the United States did not agree to renew the USMCA in its current form. However, the agreement remains in force pending resolution of the issues or until the agreement's termination.
USTR Statement
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer issued an official statement explaining the review process. Greer noted that the USMCA Free Trade Commission, composed of government representatives from each party, conducted the joint review on July 1, 2026, in accordance with the agreement's provisions. He stated, "The United States did not agree to renew the USMCA in its current form. As a result, the USMCA is not renewed. The United States will continue to engage with Mexico and Canada to address the Agreement's shortcomings and our trade deficits with these countries. However, the Agreement remains in force pending resolution of these issues or until the Agreement's termination."
Next Steps and Bilateral Talks
The USTR indicated that the United States will continue negotiations with Mexico as part of the review process. Greer announced that the United States will meet with Mexico the week of July 20 for a third round of bilateral negotiations related to the USMCA joint review. The USMCA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, 2020, and has been a cornerstone of North American trade relations.
