Review doesn’t mean rubber stamp.The United States shouldn't rush to extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement for another 16 years simply because the calendar says it's time.USMCA has strengthened North American trade and deepened commercial ties with two of the United States’ largest trading partners.
But its scheduled review was never intended to be a formality.It was designed to force policymakers to evaluate whether the agreement is delivering on its promises and to correct course when it isn't.That is exactly what the Trump administration is doing.TRUMP SHOULD EXPAND HIS BORDER CRACKDOWN.
TIMING IS PERFECT TO REIN IN CANADA AND MEXICOHaving just returned from the latest round of negotiations in Mexico, I am encouraged by constructive conversations.Progress has been made.
But significant issues remain unresolved.Extending the agreement before addressing them would surrender the United States' greatest source of leverage.In 2025, Mexico was our nation's largest trading partner, with around $873 billion in goods trade.
Yet while trade with the United States has expanded, Mexico has increasingly served as a gateway for steel from countries whose governments distort global markets through subsidies and overcapacity.Between 2020 and 2024, Mexican steel imports from South Korea, China and Vietnam rose 44%, 59% and 39%, respectively.Overall steel imports into Mexico climbed 45% during that period.
Those imports gained preferential access to the North American market despite originating from countries that have long undermined fair competition.TRUMP JUST EXPANDED HIS TARIFF PLAYBOOK WITH A POWERFUL TRADE WEAPON NO PRESIDENT HAS EVER USEDThe consequences are clear in U.S.import data.
Imports of Mexican rebar in 2024 were roughly 1,148% above their average level before USMCA.At the same time, demand for steel in the U.S.
declined by more than 11 million tons since USMCA was negotiated, yet imports from Mexico remained elevated.Canada presents a similar challenge...