Business · Trade · 3 hrs ago
USMCA review could tighten origin rules for key Bajío industries
Mexican customs representatives say the USMCA review could tighten rules on where products are made.
The changes could affect the automotive, steel and textile industries in the Bajío region, including Querétaro.
Rules of origin determine how much of a product must come from countries in the trade agreement to qualify for its benefits.
The customs group also expects pressure to meet rules in areas such as labour, intellectual property and the environment.
The review matters because the USMCA is used for much of Mexico's trade, and the article says exports are heavily directed to the United States.
US tariffs have also raised costs for some products, prompting industries to seek ways to limit the impact.
Mexican officials are taking part in the review, while customs professionals are preparing for possible changes.
The issue is due to be discussed at the AMA's annual congress in Querétaro on October 22 and 23.
Representatives of the Association of Customs Women said a review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement could tighten rules of origin affecting key Bajío industries.
The sectors they identified include automotive, steel and textiles, while the association’s national president also cited automotive and agribusiness.
Marina Martínez Vallejo said annual treaty reviews could increase pressure to comply with and correctly interpret the rules.
Customs representatives are also watching for possible changes involving labor, intellectual property and environmental compliance.
The association said the review’s implications will be discussed at its annual congress in Querétaro on October 22 and 23.
- Who
- Representatives of the Association of Customs Women, including Marina Martínez Vallejo and Georgina Estrada Aguirre.
- What
- They warned that the USMCA review could tighten rules of origin and affect key industries. They also cited other compliance areas under scrutiny.
- When
- The article was published on October 21, 2026. The review was described as ongoing.
- Where
- The Bajío region of Mexico, including Querétaro.
- Why
- Changes to rules of origin and other treaty requirements could affect regional industries and raise pressure to comply.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Querétaro recorded international sales of $1.871 billion, according to Martínez Vallejo.
El Economista MX published the article about potential changes in rules of origin during the USMCA review.
The Association of Customs Women was scheduled to hold its third annual congress in Querétaro.
- Potentially affected Bajío sectors
- Automotive, steel and textiles
- Additional sectors cited by AMA president
- Automotive and agribusiness
- USMCA use among Mexico’s 14 trade agreements
- 70 to 80%, according to Martínez Vallejo
- Querétaro international sales
- $1.871 billion in August
- AMA annual congress
- October 22 and 23 in Querétaro
What people are saying
One very strong thing being seen today is that very surely in the coming months, in the next steps related to the USMCA, one important issue is the tightening of rules of origin, especially for certain sectors; the particular issue of the automotive industry and agribusiness could be complex
They could affect the Bajío, above all, automotive, steel, textiles, I think these are the main ones and also, I think, the main ones these modifications will focus on
Our exports are very directed toward the United States. Of the 14 treaties we have, this one, the USMCA, I think is used in 70 to 80%, and it is the one causing the most vulnerability at this moment because of the lack of proper compliance, not only by Mexico, but by all three member countries