USMCA Joint Review: US-Mexico advance rules of origin, economic security talks
The US and Mexico held the second round of USMCA Joint Review negotiations (June 15–17, 2026) in Washington, with USTR Jamieson Greer and Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard discussing rules of origin for industrial goods, economic security, steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Both countries agreed to establish a committee to review Chapter 12 (Sectoral Annexes) implementation and enhance regulatory compatibility. The third negotiation round is scheduled for Mexico City in July 2026.
Photo: Jesus Alfonso / PexelsThe United States and Mexico advanced bilateral USMCA negotiations during the second Joint Review round held June 15–17, 2026, in Washington, D.C., according to a joint statement from USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard issued June 19, 2026.
The negotiating teams made substantive progress on rules of origin for certain industrial goods and economic security matters. The statement notes:
"During the round, the U.S. and Mexican teams advanced discussions on rules of origin for certain industrial goods and economic security, and began conceptual discussions on agriculture, labor, and environment. The teams also discussed trade in steel, aluminum, and automobiles."
These sector-specific discussions signal heightened focus on supply-chain resilience and alignment of trade rules across North America. Rules-of-origin revisions for industrial goods directly affect exporters and importers in chapters 72–73 (steel), 76 (aluminum), and 87 (automobiles), as well as broader manufacturing sectors seeking USMCA preferential status.
A key institutional outcome was agreement to establish a new committee tasked with reviewing the implementation of Chapter 12 (Sectoral Annexes) of the USMCA. The statement explains:
"The United States and Mexico agreed to support the establishment of a committee to review the implementation of Chapter 12 (Sectoral Annexes) of the USMCA to enhance regulatory compatibility."
Chapter 12 covers specific sectoral trade rules beyond the general agreement framework. Enhanced regulatory compatibility typically leads to streamlined procedures and reduced compliance friction for shippers and manufacturers operating under USMCA.
The broader context is the USMCA Joint Review mechanism, which allows the three parties (US, Mexico, Canada) to reassess and amend the agreement on an ongoing basis. The June statement confirms ongoing dialogue on labor standards, environmental commitments, and agricultural trade—all politically sensitive sectors where rule changes have direct cost implications.
Negotiations will continue with the third round scheduled for Mexico City in July 2026.
What this means for shippers
Watch for rules-of-origin amendments affecting steel, aluminum, and automobiles, which will determine whether your goods qualify for USMCA preferential rates. The new Chapter 12 implementation committee will likely produce guidance on regulatory compatibility over the next 6–12 months; early alignment with those recommendations reduces delay risk. Request updated tariff classification and ROO position letters from your suppliers and freight forwarders now, before amended rules finalize, to avoid duty-recalculation surprises. Check /usmca-duty-free-check to confirm current eligibility and monitor for July 2026 rule changes.
