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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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On May 18, 2021, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Free Trade Commission (FTC) held its inaugural meeting, which was led by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier and Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade Mary Ng. The parties issued a joint statement at the close of the FTC meeting summarizing the developments and next steps.&nbsp; See <a href="https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2021/may/trilateral-statement-usmca-free-trade-agreement">Trilateral Statement of the USMCA Free Trade Agreement | United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)</a>.&nbsp; In the lead-up to the FTC meeting, Thompson Hine held a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq3JiCy6X8U">webinar</a> with business leaders from the United States, Mexico and Canada to discuss North American trade issues.

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The USMCA requires that the three governments convene under the FTC within one year of the agreement’s entry into force, which occurred on July 1, 2020. Key issues addressed at the FTC included USMCA implementation, issues involving the environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the automotive industry and labor, and other disputes/issues among the parties:

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The key takeaway for companies is that the USMCA is in “full force and effect.”&nbsp; While the three member governments slowed the phase-in largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to fully transition from the NAFTA, now is the time for companies engaged in North American trade to ensure full USMCA compliance.&nbsp;

Dan Ujczo Senior Counsel, International Trade 614.469.3319 <a href="mailto:Dan.Ujczo@ThompsonHine.com">Dan.Ujczo@ThompsonHine.com</a>

This advisory bulletin may be reproduced, in whole or in part, with the prior permission of Thompson Hine LLP and acknowledgment of its source and copyright. This publication is intended to inform clients about legal matters of current interest. It is not intended as legal advice. Readers should not act upon the information contained in it without professional counsel.

This document may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions.

https://admin.thompsonhine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/International_Trade_Update_-_USMCA_Free_Trade_Commission_Holds_Inaugural_Meeting_as_USMCA_in_Full_Force.pdf

USMCA Free Trade Commission Holds Inaugural Meeting as USMCA in Full Force

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