GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jul 2, 2026
USMCA
The USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement; Spanish T-MEC, French ACEUM) is the North American free-trade agreement that replaced the earlier NAFTA on 1 July 2020.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: USTR (USMCA), in Kraft seit 01.07.2020; USMCA Art. 34.7 (Joint Review); Congressional Research Service R48787 / R48964 (Joint Review, Beginn 01.07.2026, mögliche 16-Jahres-Verlängerung); CSIS „USMCA Review 2026"; US Supreme Court, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, 20.02.2026 (IEEPA-Aus); Tax Foundation / Jade Intl (USMCA-Ausnahme vom Section-122-Aufschlag, gestiegene Nutzung). Stand: Juni 2026.
Category
US tariffs 2026: rates, dates, context
Reading time
1 min
Words
218
Mentioned in
3 articles
Definition & Explanation
The USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement; Spanish T-MEC, French ACEUM) is the North American free-trade agreement that replaced the earlier NAFTA on 1 July 2020. It governs the largely tariff-free movement of goods between the US, Mexico and Canada, provided the goods meet the rules of origin — for vehicles, for example, a regional value content of 75 percent and a labour value requirement. In the context of US tariff policy from 2025 the agreement is particularly relevant because USMCA-compliant goods are exempt from major parts of the new US tariffs: they were already exempt from the IEEPA surcharges and, since those ended (US Supreme Court, 20 February 2026), remain exempt from the temporary 10 percent Section 122 surcharge as well; Section 232 sectoral tariffs (e.g. steel/aluminium at 50 percent), by contrast, still apply. Non-compliant imports from Canada and Mexico bore the respective additional duties — which sharply increased USMCA utilisation. The first major joint review (under Art. 34.7) began on 1 July 2026, in which the three countries decide whether to extend the agreement for a further 16 years (through 2042). The US and Mexico already launched the process bilaterally on 18 March 2026. For exporters, the correct origin calculation determines whether the preferential rate (usually zero) or the regular or raised rate applies. As of July 2026.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Mentioned in
Tariffs
US tariffs 2026: rates, dates, context
Curated hub on Section 301/122 and current US tariff changes — with sources.
Related News
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.