What the 2026 USMCA joint review means for importers

Although the agreement was not renewed during the 2026 joint review, it remains in effect through 2036. Here's what importers should know about the next phase of negotiations and annual reviews.

The outcome of the USMCA joint review marks the beginning of a new phase for North American trade. While the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) [1] was not renewed during its required joint review on July 1, 2026, the agreement will remain in force through its scheduled expiration on July 1, 2036 [2].

For importers, the immediate rules governing trade under USMCA remain unchanged. However, the review process introduces greater uncertainty as the United States, Mexico, and Canada enter a period of annual reviews and continued negotiations that could reshape the agreement over time.

Navigate the article

• What happened during the 2026 joint review?
• What does this mean for importers?
• Bilateral negotiations will continue
• Key dates to monitor
• How businesses can prepare
• How Baker Tilly can help

What happened during the 2026 joint review?

Government representatives from the United States, Mexico, and Canada met virtually on July 1, 2026, to conduct the first required joint review of USMCA. At the conclusion of the meeting, the United States declined to extend the agreement in its current form [2].

Although the agreement was not renewed, USMCA does not immediately expire. Instead, it remains effective through July 1, 2036, while annual joint reviews provide opportunities for the three countries to negotiate revisions before that date.

What does this mean for importers?

For now, companies can continue claiming USMCA preferential treatment for qualifying imports under the agreement's existing rules.

However, businesses should anticipate an evolving trade environment as governments evaluate potential changes during future review cycles. Annual negotiations could affect areas such as:

• Rules of origin
• Regional value content requirements
• Customs administration and compliance
• Industry-specific trade provisions
• Market access priorities

Importers with integrated North American supply chains should continue monitoring policy developments and evaluate how future changes could affect sourcing strategies, landed costs, and customs compliance.

Bilateral negotiations will continue

Following the joint review, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that the United States will continue working with both Mexico and Canada to address perceived shortcomings in the agreement. He also confirmed that bilateral negotiations between the United States and Mexico will begin during the week of July 20, completing the third and final planned round of discussions [3]. The timing of additional negotiations between the United States and Canada has not yet been announced.

As negotiations progress, businesses should watch for announcements that could signal future amendments or policy shifts affecting North American trade.

How businesses can prepare

While no immediate changes take effect as a result of the USMCA joint review, importers should use this period to prepare for a more dynamic trade environment.

Organizations can strengthen their readiness by:

• Reviewing supply chains that rely on USMCA preferential treatment
• Confirming origin documentation and compliance processes
• Monitoring future negotiations and annual review outcomes
• Evaluating potential duty and sourcing impacts if agreement provisions change

Staying informed will help businesses respond proactively as North American trade policy continues to evolve.