Top trade officials from Canada and Mexico have now said their countries have made the necessary changes in their regulations and laws needed for implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
"This is an important step towards implementing this essential trade agreement," Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement released Friday. "The Canadian government will continue to work with the United States and Mexican governments to determine an 'entry into force' date that is mutually beneficial."
From Mexico, chief negotiator Jesus Seade said on Twitter that with the changes completed by Mexico, “we will have a modern instrument that will strengthen the competitiveness of the region and energize the trilateral relationship."
As for timing, Freeland’s statement only mentioned that it would come into effect “later this year.”
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Friday at the White House that the U.S. is “on track with USMCA,” but did not provide any other comments relative to whether the U.S. has completed its work to pave the way to implement the deal.
Provided the U.S. also completes its changes required for USMCA, the earliest the agreement could take effect is now July 1.
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