US and Mexico to Begin USMCA Review Negotiations in May

The United States and Mexico have set the stage for substantive renegotiations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) following a high-level meeting in Mexico City on April 20, 2026. US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to discuss bilateral trade and economic relations and coordinate ahead of the USMCA Joint Review deadline of July 1, 2026.

According to the joint statement, Ambassador Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard have directed their teams to focus on several key technical areas. These include discussions on economic security and complementary trade actions, strengthened rules of origin for key industrial goods, collaboration on critical minerals, and resolution of outstanding bilateral trade irritants between the two nations.

"Ambassador Greer and Secretary Ebrard also agreed to hold a first official bilateral negotiating round for the USMCA Review the week of May 25, 2026 in Mexico City."

The May negotiations represent the formal opening of what will likely be complex discussions over the coming weeks before the July 1 review deadline. Rules of origin provisions are particularly significant for shippers and exporters relying on preferential USMCA tariff treatment, as any changes could affect how goods are classified, valued, and whether they qualify for duty-free or reduced-duty treatment under the agreement.

The emphasis on critical minerals collaboration reflects broader US economic security priorities and may influence duty treatment or origin requirements for minerals-dependent supply chains. Similarly, discussions on economic security could lead to new documentation, audit, or compliance requirements for cross-border trade.

The framing of these discussions as addressing "outstanding bilateral trade irritants" suggests unresolved disputes that have likely accumulated since the agreement's entry into force in 2020. These could range from sectoral concerns to enforcement issues or divergent interpretations of existing USMCA rules.

What this means for shippers

Shippers and exporters who rely on USMCA preferential tariff treatment should monitor developments from the May negotiations carefully. Changes to rules of origin—particularly for industrial goods—could affect landed costs, documentation requirements, and qualification for duty-free shipments. Companies sourcing from or shipping to Mexico should review their supply chain classifications and origin documentation to ensure they remain compliant with any updated provisions. Stay tuned to official USTR and Mexican government announcements for final agreed changes after the July 1 review.

For detailed guidance on USMCA qualification and origin requirements, see our HS codes and classification guide.