The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will reach its fifth anniversary on July 1, serving as the foundation for more than $1.5 trillion in annual trade between the U.S. and its two largest trading partners. Ahead of the agreement’s scheduled six-year review in 2026, discussions have already begun among officials in Washington and Mexico City.
Experts believe that early renegotiation efforts may offer greater certainty for investors and manufacturers that rely on stable North American supply chains. Among the core areas of interest: labor reform progress in Mexico, regional content requirements in automotive manufacturing, and provisions for digital trade and e-commerce. Strengthening the agreement could enhance supply chain resilience and reinforce the competitiveness of the region as a unified trade bloc.
Mexico Remains Top U.S. Trade Partner
In 2024, Mexico maintained its position as the top trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade reaching a record $840 billion. Canada followed at $761 billion, while China ranked third. The trend reflects ongoing shifts in global sourcing and the importance of nearshoring strategies.
New Investments in Mexican Manufacturing
Several multinational companies continue to expand operations in Mexico in response to shifting global dynamics and regional supply chain goals:
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Automotive Expansion in Guanajuato: TYW Manufacturing, a China-based company, opened a $50 million facility in Irapuato. The plant will produce electronic dashboards for global automotive brands and create approximately 500 jobs.
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U.S. Furniture Firm Expands in Nogales: Humanscale, a premium office furniture manufacturer based in New York, invested $30 million to grow its metal component production capacity in Nogales, Mexico, resulting in 300 new jobs.
Infrastructure Growth Supports Cross-Border Fresh Produce Distribution
A new cold storage warehouse is under development along the Texas-Mexico border. The “From Mexico Cold Storage Warehouse” will feature high-efficiency loading docks and temperature-controlled storage rooms to meet rising demand for cross-border produce handling. Located near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge—where over 65% of fresh produce from Mexico enters the U.S.—the facility is part of a broader push to improve border logistics infrastructure.
Key Takeaway for U.S. Shippers and Importers
As regional trade grows in complexity, businesses should monitor developments in trade agreements like the USMCA, track investments in North American manufacturing hubs, and assess infrastructure projects that may impact logistics flow and customs clearance.
Sobel remains committed to providing insight and support for companies navigating changes in international trade, offering end-to-end freight and customs brokerage services across the U.S.–Mexico–Canada corridor.
