Mexico, the United States and Canada advanced coordination on environmental commitments under USMCA during the fourth meeting of the agreement’s Environment Committee, a step the all three countries said strengthens treaty implementation and supports regional competitiveness ahead of the comprehensive review scheduled for 2026.
The meeting, held under Chapter 24 of USMCA, focused on reviewing progress in the application of environmental laws, sharing regulatory and technical best practices, and reinforcing regional cooperation on issues with direct implications for industry, supply chains, and sustainable development.
According to the three delegations, progress was reported on initiatives to protect ecosystems, promote the sustainable management of forests and protected natural areas, combat environmental crimes, and reduce marine litter. Officials underscored that closer technical coordination is essential to address shared environmental challenges and maximize the environmental benefits of the trade agreement.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) presented updates on its ongoing projects, strategic priorities and case files stemming from the Citizen Submission on Enforcement Matters mechanism, known as SEM petitions. The discussion helped identify priority areas for joint activities and operational improvements to Chapter 24.
As mandated by USMCA, the meeting also included a virtual public session in which the three governments shared the main outcomes of the committee discussions, as well as findings from the five-year review of the Environment Chapter conducted in June 2025. Representatives from academia, civil society organizations, business chambers, and other stakeholders participated and submitted questions regarding the chapter’s implementation.
Mexican authorities noted that the discussions addressed conservation of strategic ecosystems, responsible use of forest resources and management of protected areas, along with actions to curb illegal activities affecting the environment. Marine waste reduction was highlighted as a cross-cutting issue with implications for the logistics, tourism and manufacturing sectors.
The trilateral dialogue also identified priority areas for developing joint projects and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the environment chapter, which officials described as a benchmark for comprehensive compliance under the USMCA. Participants emphasized the need to align environmental policies with economic growth objectives and sustainable industrial development.
Mexico, the United States and Canada agreed that the reported advances contribute to a favorable environment ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Mexico reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with its partners to build a robust regional environmental agenda based on sustainable development, shared prosperity and transparency across North America.
USMCA’s Chapter 24 on Environment establishes a framework of shared environmental responsibility among Mexico, the United States and Canada. The chapter seeks to ensure high levels of environmental protection, the effective enforcement of environmental laws and closer trinational cooperation on trade-related environmental matters, with the goal of supporting sustainable development across North America.
As the 2026 review approaches, officials and analysts have cautioned that the future of the USMCA is not guaranteed, noting that the agreement could be used as a political and economic pressure point, with direct implications for industrial activity, investment decisions and the stability of regional supply chains.
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