A Practical Guide to the USMCA 2026 Review: 3 Principles, 5 Rules for Success
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is at a critical juncture as the 2026 review approaches. Born from the renegotiation of NAFTA, the USMCA has driven remarkable economic growth in North America, with trade surging and regional integration deepening. However, the review presents opportunities and risks as political dynamics and global challenges shape its future. In this guide, experts outline key strategies to ensure a successful review that preserves the agreement’s benefits while addressing emerging issues.
This pivotal review is the first of its kind, requiring trilateral cooperation to evaluate the agreement’s performance and determine its continuation. The stakes are high: a smooth process could reinforce North America’s competitive edge, while discord risks destabilizing decades of progress. With elections in all three member countries on the horizon, the interplay between politics and policy will play a crucial role in shaping the review’s outcomes.
This practical guide introduces “Three Principles and Five Rules” to streamline the review process and navigate these complexities. By focusing on maintaining what’s working, addressing external challenges, and committing to long-term regional integration, stakeholders can build on the USMCA’s achievements and lay the groundwork for a stronger North American partnership.
Authors
Former Career Ambassador to Afghanistan, Argentina, and Mexico; Distinguished Diplomat in Residence, School of International Service, American University
Mexico Institute
The Mexico Institute seeks to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options for enhancing the bilateral relationship. A binational Advisory Board, chaired by Luis Téllez and Earl Anthony Wayne, oversees the work of the Mexico Institute. Read more
Canada Institute
The mission of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute is to raise the level of knowledge of Canada in the United States, particularly within the Washington, DC policy community. Research projects, initiatives, podcasts, and publications cover contemporary Canada, US-Canadian relations, North American political economy, and Canada's global role as it intersects with US national interests. Read more
