On April 24, 2020, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer formally announced to Congress that the new trade agreement is expected to come into effect on July 1, 2020, and he also informed Canada and Mexico. [86] [87] A trade agreement with Mexico could make it easier for European producers to export to Mexico and gradually eliminate more than 100 million euros of tariffs per year. On June 1, 2020, USTR Robert Lighthizer`s office released the uniform rules, which are the final hurdle before the agreement is implemented on July 1, 2020. The text of the agreement can be found here: ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/united-states-mexico-canada-agreement/uniform-regulations growing objections within Member States to US trade policy and various aspects of the USMCA have influenced the signing and ratification process. Mexico said it would not sign the USMCA if tariffs on steel and aluminum were maintained. [62] Based on the results of the November 6, 2018 U.S. election, it has been speculated that the greater power of Democrats in the House of Representatives could jeopardize the passage of the USMCA agreement. [63] [64] Bill Pascrell, a senior Democrat, argued for changes to the USMCA to pass Congress. [65] Republicans have opposed the USMCA provisions that impose labour rights on LGBTQ and pregnant workers.

[66] Forty Republicans in Congress have asked Mr. Trump not to sign an agreement that includes “the unprecedented integration of sexual orientation and the language of gender identity.” As a result, Trump ultimately signed a revised version that required each nation only to “policies it deems appropriate to protect workers from discrimination in the workplace” and said the United States would not be required to introduce additional non-discrimination laws. [67] The Canadian government expressed concern about the changes that have occurred under the USMCA agreement. [68] Manufacturing in Mexico accounts for 17% of GDP. [91] However, Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lupepez Obrador believes that this trade agreement will be a clear positive for the Mexican economy through increased foreign investment, job creation and the expansion of trade. [92] For companies that want to produce in Mexico, one of the country`s greatest advantages is access to free trade.