US-Mexico Border Mayors Push for Voice in USMCA Negotiations

Border cities that handle the majority of US-Mexico trade are pushing for a central role in shaping the future of the USMCA. Representing over 14 million residents and regions responsible for more than 40% of bilateral commerce, the US-Mexico Border Mayors Association has submitted six key recommendations to the US Trade Representative.

In a formal submission to the US Trade Representative, the association highlighted that USMCA can reach its full potential only if the border is treated as a central actor, with backing from officials in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Chihuahua, and Coahuila. These regions manage the majority of land-based trade between the two countries.

The first recommendation calls for comprehensive modernization of border crossings. Mayors highlighted that outdated infrastructure, delays, and staffing shortages increase logistics costs by 15–20%. They proposed a trilateral infrastructure fund, 24/7 operations, adoption of inspection technology, binational planning councils, public crossing-time targets, and expansion of programs like Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. The border includes more than 50 crossings with key hubs in Tijuana–San Diego, Juarez–El Paso, Nuevo Laredo–Laredo, and Matamoros–Brownsville.

The second request focuses on environmental cooperation. Border cities face pollution, sewage overflows, and emissions from slow-moving traffic. The association recommends launching the Border 2030 program with at least US$200 million in annual funding; urgent upgrades to treatment systems in Tijuana, Juarez, and Nogales; a trinational air monitoring network; and low-emission vehicle lanes.

The third point emphasizes improved logistics, including streamlined cross-border operations, better-integrated transport networks, and digital processes to facilitate trade. Proposals include a single customs manifest, aligned classification rules among the three countries, robust data sharing, and ongoing staff training for goods processing.

Fourth, the mayors call for greater local participation in USMCA governance. Border cities implement the agreement daily but lack formal channels to contribute. They propose a USMCA Mayors Council; inclusion of local authorities in environmental, labor, and trade facilitation committees; and special economic zones with faster access to federal programs. 

The fifth recommendation focuses on labor standards. Strengthened USMCA provisions offer a chance to improve working conditions if local authorities and industries coordinate effectively. The proposal advocates joint training programs with mutual certification recognition, technical assistance to enforce labor laws, and mechanisms for workers to report concerns safely, ensuring a fairer and safer regional workforce.

Finally, the sixth point addresses supply chains. Recent global disruptions underscored the strategic value of integrated North American production. The association calls for detailed mapping of critical links through shared databases, incentives for companies to locate plants in border areas, simplified customs and verification processes for rule-of-origin compliance, and technical support for SMEs to navigate the agreement and access new market opportunities.

Mexico’s Outlook in the 2026 USMCA Review

Under Article 34.7 of the USMCA, the three member countries must decide by July 2026 whether to extend the agreement to 2042, maintain annual reviews, or let it expire in 2036. 

The review is closely linked to ongoing tariff negotiations, and unresolved disputes could delay progress into 2027 or beyond. Adrián González, President, Global Alliance Solutions, expects Washington may take a high-pressure approach, similar to strategies used during the previous Trump administration, by presenting a comprehensive list of demands alongside the possibility of withdrawal. He noted that such a notice could be a negotiating tool to gain leverage, but ultimately, the agreement is expected to remain in place. Mexico, he suggested, is likely to make concessions on issues such as China, regional security, and supply-chain integration.

Juan Bringas, Director of Entrepreneurship and Promotion, Monterrey’s Ministry of Economic Development, agrees that Mexico will continue to benefit from its strong position within USMCA, regardless of the outcome.