USMCA Expansion: Options and Rationale

The new commissioned brief, titled USMCA Expansion: Options and Rationale, advances the idea that the Western Hemisphere requires a renewed focus on expanding and deepening regional supply chains. The best way to do this is to offer nations the option to accede to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

• Download the brief.
• Attend an event on how USMCA could regenerate trade in the region. 
• Learn more about recent trade programs and AS/COA's Trade Advisory Group. 
• For inquiries, contact: mwiley@as-coa.org 
• For media inquires, contact: mediarelations@as-coa.org 

This commissioned report answers various questions surrounding the possibilities of expanding USMCA including: 

• Is accession possible given the lack of such a clause within USMCA? 
• Would USMCA expansion benefit the United States, Mexico, and Canada? 
• Would the option of expansion support reforms across the region? 
• Is this an attractive option for countries in the region itself? 
• Is there an ideal timeframe for consideration? 

This document explores the options and rationale for expanding the membership of the USMCA to include other countries. In support of this proposal, it is argued that the agreement already sets the standard for trade policy going forward in North America, and there is a consensus that the USMCA will help to advance other policy objectives in the region. Also, it is increasingly clear that the USMCA’s provisions are becoming a reference in the wider international trade policy context.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this brief do not necessarily reflect the views of the members of the Council of the Americas.