According to experts, the upcoming 2026 review of the T-MEC may see the EU tighten origin rules, leading to increased production costs, particularly influenced by demands from the United States.
Experts consulted by MILENIO have raised concerns about the upcoming revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) set for 2026, suggesting that substantial changes to origin rules are likely. This tightening of regulations is primarily driven by the United States, aiming to increase regional content requirements while reducing reliance on Asian suppliers. Such a shift reflects broader economic strategies that seek to enhance local production within North America, promoting job creation and manufacturing stability in the region.
Orlando Pérez Gárate, Vice President of the ICC Mexico's Commission on Trade and Investment Policies, highlighted that the U.S. may specifically seek to raise regional content percentages in certain sectors, notably the automotive industry. This inclination towards higher regional content appears to challenge the existing flexibilities offered by the T-MEC agreements. The intention behind these potential changes is evidently to prevent Asian supplies from infiltrating the North American market, thus fostering greater economic autonomy and resilience amidst global supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by recent geopolitical tensions.
The implications of these changes could spell significant financial adjustments for manufacturers who may have to adapt their supply chains in response to stricter compliance regulations. A shift towards increased regional content could lead to higher production costs, affecting the competitiveness of North American goods in global markets. As industry stakeholders brace for these anticipated changes, there is an urgent call for collaboration among the member countries to ensure mutual economic growth without compromising market accessibility.
