The renegotiation of the trade agreement between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (T-MEC) could be extended beyond the July 1st deadline, acknowledged U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. He warned that while the U.S. administration will seek to resolve the most significant differences before that date, it is unlikely that all issues will be settled. During an event at the Hudson Institute, the official stated that Washington maintains its intention to "re-balance" the regional trade agreement, which will involve prolonged negotiations with Mexico and Canada. "I think we probably won't resolve all issues by July 1st," he said in reference to the schedule set for the treaty's review. Greer explained that July 1st does not necessarily represent a final point, but rather a political decision to either renew the agreement without changes or enter a deeper stage of renegotiation. "On that date, the United States has to decide whether it simply renews the agreement or considers it insufficient and needs modifications," he outlined. The official indicated that the Trump administration maintains a critical stance on the treaty's results, particularly due to the increase in automotive imports from Mexico and the flows of steel and aluminum from the region. What is the U.S. strategy? In this context, he emphasized that the American strategy involves negotiating differentiated adjustments with each trading partner, given the asymmetries in trade patterns. "We need some kind of protocol with Mexico and another with Canada to address specific problems in each country," he affirmed. Talks with Mexico are already underway, while formal negotiations with Canada could begin in May, further reducing the margin for reaching comprehensive agreements before July. As part of the internal process, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative must notify the U.S. Congress by June 1st on the path the government will take regarding the treaty, which will set the tone for the final decision a month later.
