Trump, Sheinbaum Agree to Continue USMCA Review

Leaders discuss trade barriers, rules of origin, and regional security

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The presidents of Mexico and the United States had a cordial 40-minute call on Thursday, agreeing to continue moving forward with a review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the discussion covered topics like non-tariff trade barriers, expanding rules of origin, and regional security, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to collaboration.

Why it matters

The USMCA is a critical trade agreement between the three North American countries, and its review could lead to significant changes in cross-border commerce and economic relations. The discussion between the two leaders signals a willingness to work through any outstanding issues, which is important for maintaining stability and prosperity in the region.

The details

According to Sheinbaum, President Trump wants to address non-tariff barriers he believes Mexico places on U.S. trade, as well as expand rules of origin beyond the automotive industry. Rules of origin determine if sufficient content of a product comes from a certain country to qualify for trade benefits and tariff exemptions. The leaders also discussed topics like tariffs, the automotive industry, import/export red tape, and securing supply chains, particularly for critical raw materials like rare-earth elements used in electric vehicles and electronics.

  • The call between President Trump and President Sheinbaum took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
  • The review of the USMCA must be completed this year, according to Mexican Finance Minister Marcelo Ebrard.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is seeking to address perceived trade barriers with Mexico.

Claudia Sheinbaum

The current president of Mexico who reaffirmed the country's opposition to allowing U.S. troops to conduct anti-drug operations in Mexico.

Marcelo Ebrard

The Mexican Finance Minister who met with the U.S. trade representative in Washington, D.C. to discuss the next steps for the USMCA review.

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What they’re saying

“'It was a cordial call. It lasted about 40 minutes. We talked about various issues, […] and we agreed to continue talks.'”

— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico

“'We talked about the next steps for the free trade agreement that must be reviewed this year. We have made progress on many issues so the review proceeds as quickly as possible, as smoothly as possible.'”

— Marcelo Ebrard, Mexican Finance Minister

“'We coincided (with Trump) that we are making advances in security issues,'”

— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico

What’s next

The leaders agreed to continue discussions on the USMCA review, with a focus on addressing non-tariff trade barriers, expanding rules of origin, and securing critical supply chains. Future meetings with the U.S. State Department will also address the availability and procurement of rare-earth elements.

The takeaway

The cordial call between the U.S. and Mexican presidents signals a willingness to work through any outstanding issues with the USMCA, which is crucial for maintaining economic stability and prosperity in North America. The leaders' commitment to collaboration on trade and security matters underscores the importance of the bilateral relationship.