US., Mexico, Canada Agree to Updated NAFTA

The United States, Mexico, and Canada have now reached an agreement (USMCA) to update the current North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  After more than a year of negotiations, the three nations were able to overcome several contentious issues like rules of origin, import tariffs, and the dispute resolution process.  The USMCA will not enter into force until all three countries sign the agreement.  In the U.S., this first requires the approval of both Chamber of Congress.

Based on our review of the USMCA tariff schedule, vinyl products produced in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada should remain duty-free.  However, there is still some uncertainty over how the agreement will be implemented.  Importers should carefully assess whether individual vinyl products will be able to claim USMCA status.

You can read more about the agreement, including the updated provisions, here.