USMCA’s Next Chapter: What Foundries Should Know
USTR Opens Public Comments Ahead of 2027 USMCA Review
Businesses have an opportunity to share how North American trade rules work in practice and recommend improvements.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on October 2, 2026, that it is seeking public comments on how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) operates ahead of the agreement’s 2027 joint review. Written comments are due January 12, 2027. The consultation gives businesses an opportunity to help inform the U.S. position ahead of the next annual review.
What You Need to Know
USTR is requesting feedback on USMCA’s operation and recommendations ahead of the 2027 joint review.
Foundries can describe how regional supply chains, customs procedures, rules of origin and access to Canadian and Mexican markets affect their businesses.
Written comments and requests to participate in the public hearing are due January 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Why Another Review Is Ahead
The consultation follows the agreement’s first six-year review on July 1, 2026, when the United States declined to support extending USMCA in its current form. The administration said it would continue discussions with Canada and Mexico to address concerns about the agreement and U.S. trade deficits.
That decision triggered annual reviews rather than an extension of the agreement’s term. USMCA remains in force, with its existing term running through 2036 unless the countries agree to extend it or it is terminated earlier.
Metals and Supply Chains Are Part of the Discussion
Negotiations have included bilateral discussions between the United States and Mexico. The agenda announced for their third negotiating round, which was scheduled for July 21–23 in Mexico City, included steel, aluminum and derivative products, automobiles, economic security, labor and agriculture.
The discussions reflect broader U.S. efforts to increase domestic manufacturing and address concerns about how goods from outside North America benefit from regional supply chains.
An Opportunity to Share Industry Experience
The public consultation allows businesses, industry associations and other interested parties to describe their experience under USMCA and recommend changes. For the nonferrous foundry industry, potential subjects include regional casting supply chains, customs administration, rules of origin and access to Canadian and Mexican markets.
What This Could Mean for Foundries
Members with North American customers, suppliers or operations may want to begin gathering specific examples of where USMCA supports their business and where improvements would help.
Describe how castings, materials and components move among the United States, Canada and Mexico, and how trade rules affect those relationships.
Identify recurring administrative challenges, delays or documentation burdens, supported by concrete business examples.
Explain how origin requirements and access to Canadian and Mexican markets influence sourcing, sales and production decisions.
Connect each concern to a specific improvement and explain how it would support your business and U.S. manufacturing.
Public Hearing and Next Steps
USTR also plans to hold a public hearing, with the date and location to be announced separately. Comments and testimony will help inform the U.S. position as negotiations continue and the countries prepare for the next annual review.
Requests to appear at the hearing must include a summary of proposed testimony and are due by the same January 12 deadline as written comments. Review USTR’s notice for submission procedures.
Key Dates
First six-year joint review; the United States does not agree to extend the agreement’s term.
USTR announces the public consultation ahead of the 2027 review.
Written comments, hearing participation requests and summaries of testimony are due.
USTR will announce the public hearing’s date and location separately.
Review USTR’s announcement for the official notice and links to submit comments or request to testify.
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