USMCA Review: 5 Headwinds

The U.S. has set a firmer stance ahead of the USMCA joint review scheduled for July 1, 2026: no automatic extension without targeted fixes. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Congress the agreement has delivered meaningful gains—pointing to stronger North American trade flows—while arguing structural gaps still create capacity and cost headwinds for U.S. industry.

For supply chain leaders, five themes stand out. First, tighter rules of origin and stronger deterrents against offshoring are on the table, especially for non-auto goods. Second, the U.S. wants closer alignment on tariffs, export controls, investment screening, and customs processes to reduce friction at the border. Third, negotiators are expected to push on ag/food market access, including long-running disputes involving dairy and other protected categories. Fourth, the U.S. is floating a North American critical minerals marketplace to accelerate sourcing, processing, and recycling inside the region. Fifth, expect expanded labor and environmental enforcement, including forced labor bans and Mexico-focused compliance measures.

At TLC, we’re tracking policy shifts lane-by-lane and modeling how potential rule changes could affect landed cost, qualification, and lead times. If you move freight across North America, let’s stress-test your playbook—fast freight, handled with TLC.

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