This process is activated after the call for comments opened by USTR in September and the date adjustments announced in November. Replacing USMCA with bilateral agreements turns everything upside down at the National Palace. On Wednesday, December 3, U.S. congressmen and a wide range of specialized study centers on trade and North America, such as CSIS, CNAS, Progressive Policy Institute, Atlantic Council, and Silverado, will meet. Also participating will be port authorities and free trade zone representatives. At the end, U.S. and Mexican unions, as well as organizations working on migration and human rights issues in the region, will attend. This week, USTR will bring together in Washington congressmen, think tanks, large business chambers, unions, civil organizations, and representatives of key industries to listen to what works and what doesn't in the trade agreement before the joint review the three countries will conduct in July 2026. The public hearing, to be held from December 3 to 5 at the International Trade Commission, will be the first major forum where high-level visions on the future of the treaty will be exchanged. The day will end with interventions from U.S. unions and indigenous groups. On Thursday, December 4, the agenda will be dominated by business chambers from the three countries. The end of the day will include the cabinet, chemical, mining, and auto parts industries. On Friday, December 5, associations of services, technology, and the internet will present, as well as representatives from the recycling, clean energy, fishing, and maritime transport industries. Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Mexico's Business Coordinating Council, and the Business Council of Canada will be present. The United States is preparing to turn up the political and economic thermometer on the USMCA. Next will be the turn of manufacturing, aviation, electronics, and supply chain associations. In the afternoon, steel and aluminum chambers will appear, including companies from the U.S. and Mexico such as U.S. Steel, Nucor, and Deacero. Also participating will be academics from various universities and civil organizations from the U.S. and Mexico working on labor, agricultural, and human rights issues. Later, agricultural associations for grains, seeds, and fruit producers, as well as representatives from the pharmaceutical sector in the U.S. and Mexico, will attend. The hearing will conclude at 3:20 PM. Through this process, USTR seeks to gather positions from legislators, businesses, unions, academics, and social organizations to formulate its stance for the first six-year review of the USMCA, a key step to define adjustments or priorities in the trade agreement.
