USMCA Joint Review: US-Mexico advance rules of origin, steel, autos
The US and Mexico concluded the second round of bilateral USMCA renegotiation talks on June 15–17, 2026, in Washington, advancing discussions on rules of origin for industrial goods, economic security, steel, aluminum, and automobiles. The two countries also agreed to establish a committee to review Chapter 12 (Sectoral Annexes) implementation to improve regulatory compatibility. A third negotiation round is scheduled for July 2026 in Mexico City.
Photo: James Collington / PexelsThe US Office of the Trade Representative and Mexico's Secretariat of Economy completed the second round of bilateral negotiations tied to the USMCA Joint Review on June 15–17, 2026, in Washington, D.C., with Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard meeting June 18 to discuss next steps.
The negotiations centered on four key trade policy areas. On industrial goods, both teams "advanced discussions on rules of origin for certain industrial goods," signaling that Mexico and the US are reassessing origin criteria that determine eligibility for tariff-free treatment under the agreement. Separately, "discussions on trade in steel, aluminum, and automobiles" took place, reflecting ongoing sectoral sensitivity in North American supply chains. The teams also began "conceptual discussions on agriculture, labor, and environment," indicating these topics are at an earlier stage.
A notable institutional commitment emerged: the US 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." This chapter covers sector-specific rules, from automotive standards to textile requirements, so a dedicated review committee signals intent to streamline compliance and reduce friction across multiple product categories.
The statement emphasizes that negotiations aim to ensure "the Agreement benefits the U.S. and Mexican economies and that the benefits of the Agreement accrue primarily to the parties"—language reflecting protectionist concern about value leaking to non-parties (notably China). This framing suggests future rules-of-origin amendments may raise regional-value-content thresholds or tighten deemed-origin provisions.
The third round will convene in Mexico City next month, keeping the review timeline on track as USMCA renegotiation intensifies.
What this means for shippers
If you move industrial goods, steel, aluminum, or vehicles between the US and Mexico, your tariff exposure may change. Start auditing your supplier networks and current rules-of-origin certifications now—rules-of-origin modifications often tighten after renegotiation, requiring higher North American content percentages or stricter material traceability. Watch for the Chapter 12 committee's work; any regulatory-compatibility amendments will affect compliance costs and lead times. Check your USMCA eligibility on every shipment from Mexico and confirm origin documentation is defensible before new rules take effect.
