The United States now views the USMCA not as an integrated partnership with Mexico and Canada, but as two separate deals, and is open to profound changes, including a renegotiation or even its abandonment. This was stated by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Greer explained that the U.S. economic relationship with Canada is very different from the one with Mexico, which is the purpose of a clause allowing for separate negotiations. He admitted that there has not been a trilateral meeting with Mexico and Canada this year to discuss the USMCA, although bilateral negotiations are known to be taking place.
Greer elaborated that the U.S. pushed for stricter rules of origin to incentivize more production in North America, particularly in the U.S. He noted that the 2.5% tariff on imported autos outside of agreements provides little incentive, while the 25% tariff on light trucks encourages domestic production.
The priority for the U.S. was to secure and improve market access for agricultural producers. Greer also clarified that any changes requiring modifications to U.S. laws must go through Congress, with which he assured there is already constant dialogue.
