RILA calls for certainty as USMCA review begins

WASHINGTON — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is urging the United States, Mexico and Canada to conduct a constructive review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing the need to preserve supply chain certainty and duty-free treatment for qualifying goods.

The formal review of the trade agreement began on July 1.

“USMCA provides the certainty retailers need to plan supply chains, invest in North America, and keep goods moving efficiently for consumers,” said Ellen Jackson, RILA director. “Supply chains take years to establish. A strong agreement helps businesses deliver the products families need and protects consumers from disruptions caused by prolonged uncertainty. To continue sustaining the growth the agreement has spurred, it is imperative to preserve duty-free treatment for USMCA-qualifying goods.”

RILA said it supports efforts to modernize the agreement while preserving the predictable trade framework that businesses rely on to invest across North America and serve consumers efficiently.

The association also joined a coalition of textile, apparel, footwear and retail organizations from the United States, Mexico and Canada to urge leaders of all three countries to preserve USMCA’s trilateral framework.

In a joint letter, the coalition said the agreement provides clear, predictable rules that support jobs, investment, and regional trade, and warned that significant changes could create unnecessary trade disruptions and business uncertainty. The organizations pledged to work with policymakers throughout the review process to strengthen North American competitiveness while maintaining stable cross-border commerce.

Read the letter here