Atlantic Council this week released a new issue brief arguing that the USMCA review presents a critical opportunity to address nontariff barriers — particularly inefficient and misaligned customs processes — that undermine the economic and security gains the agreement is designed to deliver.
Atlantic states that Reinstating suspended bilateral enforcement programs, advancing regulatory alignment, and fully implementing USMCA Chapter 7 would simultaneously strengthen trade facilitation and supply chain security across North America.
Quote:
In 2025, US–Mexico trade reached $872 billion, making it the world’s largest bilateral trade relationship. $2.3 billion in goods crosses the border every single day, carried by more than 21,000 trucks transiting from Mexico to the United States with some estimates of 35,000 trucks crossing the border (traveling in either direction) with produce, minerals, vehicles, auto parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and energy products. This trade sustains an estimated ten million jobs across both economies.
Read the full issue brief: Harmonizing USMCA: enhancing customs to facilitate US-Mexico competitiveness