TRADE TARIFFS AND USMCA
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has brought significant changes to trade dynamics across North America, impacting crucial industries such as automotive, energy, manufacturing, technology, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. With total trilateral trade exceeding $1.5 trillion annually, businesses need to navigate the evolving tariff policies, supply chain adjustments and regulatory compliance to stay competitive.
At Holland & Knight our Tariff Task Force is dedicated to helping corporate clients mitigate risks, optimize trade operations and leverage policy opportunities within the North American market. Our multidisciplinary team, comprising experienced attorneys and policy advisors from our Mexico City and Washington, D.C. offices, provides tailored advisory services, advocacy strategies and direct engagement with key government officials.
Here are some key industry implications and trade data that highlight the importance of our services:
AUTOMOTIVE
USMCA's rules of origin require North American content in vehicles to qualify for duty-free trade, impacting supply chains and production strategies. For years, Mexico has played an crucial and irreplaceable role in this sector for the region.
ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
New policies on energy investment, regulatory compliance and tariffs on renewable technologies present challenges for oil, gas and renewables players. Mexico exports over $30 billion in crude oil annually to the U.S. (Source: INEGI, 2024).
& INDUSTRIAL GOODS
North America's supply chains remain heavily integrated, with Mexico being the largest trading partner of the U.S., accounting for over $424.4 billion from January to October 2024 (Source: U.S. Census Bureau).
AGRICULTURE & FOOD PRODUCTS
The USMCA preserves zero-tariff access for key agricultural exports, bringing important benefits to the region. North American agricultural trade exceeds $75 billion annually (Source: U.S.-Mexico Foundation, 2023).
OUR TEAM FOCUSES ON:
PROCEDURES.
ADVISING ON POTENTIAL BENEFITS USING OTHER MEXICAN INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS IN PLACE FOR SUPPLY CHAIN DIVERSIFICATION.
EXAMINE CURRENT CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS TO ASSESS POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS FOR EXPENSE REDUCTIONS, ASSURING BUSINESS LEGAL PROTECTION AND CONTINUITY.
REVIEW AND/OR DESIGN NEW BUSINESS MODELS, TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING OBLIGATIONS.
ALTERNATIVE IMPORT AND EXPORT REGIMES TO ASSESS THEIR VIABILITY FOR PREVENTION AND EFFICIENCY IN YOUR OPERATIONS, SUCH AS THE BONDED WAREHOUSE REGIME, AMONG OTHERS.
& DIGITAL TRADE
USMCA introduces stronger intellectual property (IP) protections and digital trade provisions, securing free data flows and supporting the North American technology sector.
