In the face of the negotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico is arriving "late" to key negotiations and has fallen short on issues that the United States has demanded regarding trade balance.
The coordinator of the USMCA Nearshoring and Compliance Roundtable, Luis Manuel Hernández González, stated that the president of the neighboring country, Donald Trump, has begun to "raise awareness" about the points to be discussed within his cabinet.
Hernández González explained that the new trade plans have already been outlined by the United States, which leaves Mexico in a reactive position and a scenario that could border on the loss of strategic opportunities.
He cited three key aspects that will guide the upcoming USMCA renegotiation: the electricity issue, the trade relationship with China through Mexico, and the rules of the game in supply chains as issues to be addressed.
Regarding electricity distribution and regulation, he stated, the commitments established in an energy policy playbook aligned with the interests of the trading bloc have not been met. On the other hand, the potential use of Mexico as a gateway for Chinese products to the US market poses another challenge that the country has not been able to address in favor of its interests, noted the Nearshoring and USMCA coordinator.
Hernández González made it clear that political uncertainty still persists, so "it cannot be said that this episode is over," referring to the changes that the domestic market has suffered as a result of the new political situation.
Therefore, he considered that the competent authorities and the private sector must act quickly to present clear proposals, strengthen their strategic sectors, and actively participate in the negotiating tables next year.