Leading business associations from Mexico, the United States, and Canada issued a joint statement defending the benefits of the T-MEC ahead of its 2026 review. They urge governments to extend the treaty for another 16 years to avoid uncertainty. This comes in response to recent warnings from President Donald Trump to let the agreement expire.
The Mexican Business Council (CMN), the U.S. Business Roundtable, and the Business Council of Canada issued a statement on the first joint review of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (T-MEC), scheduled for July 2026. These groups, representing hundreds of business leaders, emphasize that “North American trade and integrated manufacturing networks have generated significant economic benefits in the United States, Mexico, and Canada for decades”.
Since its entry into force in July 2020, “transborder economic activity has increased, boosting growth, job creation, and competitiveness in the three countries”, they state. Ahead of the impending review, they “urge the parties to work swiftly to extend and strengthen the T-MEC”, proposing to preserve the trilateral alliance, enhance economic security cooperation, and restore tariff exemptions for compliant products.
The Business Roundtable, with over 200 CEOs of U.S. companies, acknowledges the benefits but criticizes Mexico's non-tariff barriers that restrict trade and investment. The CMN comprises 55 Mexican executives whose firms invest more than 30 billion dollars annually worldwide, while the Business Council of Canada includes leaders from all sectors and regions.
In contrast, President Donald Trump recently warned he would let the T-MEC “die” in 2026 and seek a new deal, claiming Mexico and Canada “have taken advantage of the United States”.
Chapter 34 of the T-MEC sets a 16-year term, with review starting from the sixth year in July 2026 by the Free Trade Commission. If governments agree in writing to extend it, it automatically renews for another 16 years; otherwise, annual reviews will occur, creating uncertainty for businesses.