Universities Join USMCA Review

Mexico is expanding consultations for the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by incorporating universities into the process. The decision follows a nationwide consultation conducted across all 32 states and involving 30 economic sectors, labor organizations and the agricultural sector. Results showed that 78.5% of participants support renewing the agreement, while calling for improvements to prevent unilateral trade measures and strengthen regional competitiveness.

Mexico is expanding its consultation process for the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by incorporating universities into the discussions, a move aimed at strengthening the analysis of labor, trade and regional development issues linked to the treaty.

The announcement was made at the Ministry of Economy during the presentation of the results of the public consultations on the agreement. The event was led by Marcelo Ebrard, Minister of Economy, and included the participation of Leonardo Lomelí, Rector, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). 

According to Ebrard, the consultation process gathered input from stakeholders across all 32 states of the country and involved representatives from 30 sectors of the economy, as well as labor organizations and the agricultural sector. The exercise represents the largest consultation process conducted in Mexico regarding a trade agreement.

Results of the consultation show that approximately 78.5% of participants support renewing the agreement. However, respondents also called for improvements to ensure the treaty continues to support economic growth, employment and regional development.

Among the key issues raised during the consultation were concerns about unilateral trade measures and tariffs imposed outside the framework of the agreement. Participants emphasized the need to maintain a rules-based trade environment while strengthening North America’s economic integration in order to compete with other regions, particularly Asia.

Ebrard says the consultation results will guide Mexico’s position as discussions with its North American partners move forward. The first of a series of preparatory meetings between Mexico and the United States is scheduled to begin on March 16, 2026.

In this context, the federal government announced that universities will join the consultation process to contribute research and analysis to the review discussions. The inclusion of academic institutions expands a model of consultation that has historically focused on private sector organizations and industrial groups.

Government officials indicated that the upcoming working groups will include input from more than 40 business chambers, the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), labor unions and academic experts. By integrating these perspectives, authorities aim to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the agreement’s impact on labor markets, industrial development and trade flows.

Academic Role in Regional Competitiveness

The review of the USMCA takes place in a period of change for global trade, with increasing attention on regional supply chains and industrial policy. Discussions during the consultation also touched on sectors expected to shape the region’s economic future, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and AI.

Some state governments also proposed strategies to improve their integration into regional trade networks, particularly in southern Mexico, where authorities see opportunities to expand participation in manufacturing and supply chains linked to the North American market.

Lomelí says that the academic community currently holds a broadly favorable view of the agreement. Unlike the debates surrounding trade agreements more than three decades ago, universities now have extensive data showing how regional trade has strengthened North America’s competitiveness relative to other parts of the world.

Lomelí added that academic institutions possess analytical tools and research capacity that can help evaluate the agreement’s impact and identify areas where it can be strengthened. Universities will provide evidence-based analysis to support government decision-making during the review process.

Authorities expect that the integration of universities into the consultation framework will help align trade policy with broader national development goals, including job creation, workforce development and regional economic growth.

As the review process advances, Mexico’s strategy will focus on balancing the interests of labor, industry and academia while strengthening North America’s competitiveness in a shifting global economic landscape.