Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, emphasized the importance of advancing consultations under the USMCA regarding certain Mexican energy measures and Mexico’s enforcement of certain environmental laws related to fishing under the Environmental Chapter of the North American trade agreement.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Wednesday that it will prioritize benefiting workers in the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“The priority is to ensure that more people, especially workers, their communities, and those historically left behind by trade, can benefit from the agreement,” said Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative.
Tai addressed regional trade issues with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Raquel Buenrostro, and Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Mary Ng, during the fourth meeting of the USMCA Free Trade Commission held in Phoenix, Arizona.
Implemented on July 1, 2020, the USMCA mandates comprehensive evaluations every six years, with the first scheduled for 2026.
All three governments have already had meetings with their respective stakeholders in this negotiation, Tai added.
A USTR statement indicated that throughout the meeting, Tai and Buenrostro emphasized the close economic relationship between the United States and Mexico and the importance of cooperation under the USMCA.
The two officials discussed shared labor priorities, including the USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism and the implementation of the USMCA commitment related to the prohibition of imports produced with forced labor.
They also acknowledged the importance of implementing Decision Number 5 of the USMCA International Trade Commission to improve coordination and consultation to support the maintenance of North American trade flows in emergency situations.
They agreed to expand bilateral collaboration to address unfair non-market policies and practices that undermine the USMCA and harm U.S. and Mexican workers.
During the meeting, Tai stressed the importance of advancing consultations under the USMCA regarding certain Mexican energy measures and Mexico’s enforcement of certain environmental laws related to fishing under the Environmental Chapter of the USMCA.
Tai expressed her ongoing concerns about competition in Mexico’s telecommunications market, including its spectrum fee methodology.
Tai and Buenrostro also discussed persistent issues in the steel and aluminum trade with Mexico.
roberto.morales@eleconomista.mx