The United States and Mexico convened in Mexico City on July 21 for the third bilateral negotiating round of the USMCA Joint Review process. Negotiating teams are meeting for three days to advance discussions on trade in steel and aluminum alongside other outstanding issues. The USMCA framework governs the vast majority of fresh produce flowing between Mexico and the U.S.
This is the most active phase of USMCA renegotiation since the agreement took effect, and the produce industry has been closely watching the outcome. Earlier rounds have focused on sector-specific concerns, and the industry has already sent formal letters to USTR stressing the importance of protecting the current trade framework for fresh produce.
The three-day session is ongoing, so concrete outcomes may not surface immediately. Worth monitoring for any signals on produce-specific provisions, especially given the tariff pressures already in play with other trading partners.