CAINTRA Sees USMCA Stability Through 2036, Expands SME Financing

Summary: CAINTRA reaffirmed that the USMCA remains legally in force through 2036, positioning the treaty's upcoming joint review as a mechanism to strengthen North American competitiveness while advocating deeper regional integration, stricter regional content rules and the elimination of US Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs. The chamber also partnered with Santander México to expand financing and training for SMEs in Nuevo León, reinforcing access to capital for manufacturers as Mexico seeks to strengthen supply chains, attract nearshoring investment and enhance the country's industrial competitiveness. 

The Chamber of the Transformation Industry of Nuevo Leon (CAINTRA) said USMCA provides long-term certainty for manufacturers despite growing public attention surrounding the treaty's upcoming joint review, while announcing a new financing alliance with Santander México to strengthen SMEs across the state.

The industrial organization said the agreement remains legally in force through 2036, emphasizing that the review process should be viewed as a routine mechanism designed to strengthen North America's competitiveness rather than a source of uncertainty for manufacturers and investors.

CAINTRA's message comes as businesses closely monitor preparations for the treaty's first joint review, amid broader concerns over tariffs, supply chain disruptions and shifting trade policies affecting global manufacturing. The organization echoed recent comments from Mexico's Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, who has described the review process as part of the agreement's institutional framework rather than a renegotiation that threatens its continuity.

According to CAINTRA, the annual meetings of the Free Trade Commission establish the foundation for extending the agreement for another 16 years, reinforcing long-term certainty for companies operating throughout North America. 

Regional Integration Remains The Priority

While expressing confidence in the agreement's future, CAINTRA said North America must strengthen its productive integration to remain competitive against Asian manufacturing economies. The organization argued that replacing imports from Asia with greater regional production would make supply chains more resilient while allowing Mexico, the United States and Canada to capitalize on nearshoring opportunities that continue to reshape global manufacturing.

To achieve that objective, CAINTRA outlined four strategic priorities:

• First, it called for stricter regional content requirements to increase the percentage of components and industrial inputs manufactured within North America.
• Second, it urged the creation of practical mechanisms that allow micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to integrate into export supply chains as suppliers to larger manufacturers.
• Third, the organization advocated expanding investment in technology development and innovation to reduce dependence on foreign intellectual property and imported technologies.

Finally, CAINTRA emphasized the importance of building secure regional logistics infrastructure capable of withstanding future disruptions similar to those experienced during recent global supply chain crises.

The organization said these measures would reinforce North America's position as one of the world's leading manufacturing regions while creating greater value across the integrated regional economy. 

Industry Supports Tariff Elimination

Beyond outlining its long-term competitiveness strategy, CAINTRA also expressed support for the federal government's position during ongoing discussions with US and Canadian authorities. The chamber endorsed the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum and the negotiating teams from the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as they continue dialogue with North American counterparts.

CAINTRA specifically backed Mexico's position calling for the permanent elimination of Section 232 tariffs imposed by the United States on steel and aluminum imports under national security provisions. The organization described removing the tariffs as essential to achieving full productive integration across North America, arguing that stronger regional manufacturing requires unrestricted industrial trade among the three countries.

According to CAINTRA, eliminating those trade barriers would further strengthen the region's competitiveness at a time when manufacturers are seeking more reliable and geographically diversified supply chains. 

Santander Alliance Targets SME Growth

As part of its broader strategy to strengthen industrial competitiveness, CAINTRA also announced a partnership with Santander México that will expand financing opportunities for member companies throughout Nuevo Leon. Under the agreement, Santander will make MX$100 million (US$5.3 million) in credit available to SMEs affiliated with the chamber while offering 5,000 business training scholarships designed to improve competitiveness and professional capabilities, reported MBN.  The initiative aims to improve access to financing while supporting business expansion, investment and long-term development for companies operating in one of Mexico's largest manufacturing economies.

CAINTRA said the agreement forms part of its broader efforts to improve financing conditions through partnerships with financial institutions and increase credit availability for industrial companies. Participating businesses will have access to preferential financing conditions, subject to standard credit evaluations, through products including Crédito Simple and Crédito Ágil. The program also offers both fixed- and variable-rate financing options, along with opening-fee benefits for the first loans formalized under the alliance. Companies participating in the program will also gain access to Santander's broader portfolio of business solutions, including digital banking tools, corporate services, training opportunities and support for international expansion.