Three Countries, One Deal


USMCA, which governs trade between Canada, Mexico and the U.S., entered renewed negotiations this summer. Photo Credit: Getty Images / matejmo

Antonio Ortiz-Mena argues that trust and security in North America—which are underpinned by trade—are at risk. It is important to build a region in which the three neighboring countries trust one another and continue to trade with one another. Furthermore, it is not desirable for governments to focus the debate on the trade deficit. On the contrary, it is essential that the conversation go beyond this issue.

Ortiz-Mena notes that Mexico’s priorities in the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are divided into two central objectives:

  1. Increase the level of certainty in trade and investment rules, and explore the possibility of engaging in a dialogue on national security.
  2. Ensure that Mexico is the least disadvantaged nation at the USMCA negotiating tables.

In addition, Ortiz-Mena notes that relations between the United States and China were tense, which sparked a series of debates about how North American countries should prepare for the rise and consolidation of China’s economic growth on a global scale.


Canada and Mexico on different paths heading into USMCA crunch time


Prime Minister Mark Carney and President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum walk to a press conference at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City on Sept. 18.Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images

Antonio Ortiz-Mena anticipates that the final agreement will combine bilateral and trilateral components: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) would remain the overarching framework, but would incorporate certain chapters or parallel agreements to address specific bilateral issues between the United States and each of its partners, Canada and Mexico.


The Future of North America Trade Relations

ategory: Media Interview
Source: Georgia Tech


The Sam Nunn School is proud to present «The Future of North American Trade Relations,» an event featuring American, Canadian, and Mexican views on the state of play of North American trade. In the run-up to the review of the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement in the summer, this half-day symposium takes stock of the stakes, issues, and prospects of the review.