USMCA renewal is now a top priority for North America's plastics sector. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and Mexico's National Association of Plastics Industry (ANIPAC) issued a joint statement on May 25, 2026, ahead of the first official USMCA/T-MEC Review bilateral negotiating meeting in Mexico City. The coordinated call signals strong cross-border industry support for preserving the trade framework that underpins North American supply chains. Stay current with global trade developments through the Info Center on textilezon.com.
Joint Statement Calls for Trade Framework Renewal
Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS, and Benjamín del Arco, President of ANIPAC, jointly welcomed the ongoing U.S.-Mexico dialogue as part of the formal review process. Their statement highlighted the plastics sector's critical role across automotive, construction, medical, packaging, electronics, agriculture, and consumer goods industries.
Both leaders described USMCA/T-MEC as instrumental in building integrated supply chains, driving economic growth, and enhancing competitiveness for all three trading partners. They framed the review as a clear opportunity to strengthen North America's trade architecture — not weaken it.
$117.6 Billion in Trade Defines the Stakes
In 2025, total plastics trade under USMCA/T-MEC reached $117.6 billion, supporting millions of jobs across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This figure reflects the deep integration of North American plastics supply chains since the agreement took effect.
PLASTICS and ANIPAC stressed that a reliable regional resin supply chain is essential to continued industry growth. Any disruption would ripple through downstream sectors — including synthetic textile and technical materials manufacturing — that depend on consistent plastics inputs.
Policy Demands and Industry Commitment
Both associations outlined specific priorities for the USMCA/T-MEC review process:
- Regional content requirements: Close loopholes that allow non-member countries market access, reinforcing North American manufacturing and jobs.
- Agricultural provisions: Expand the agreement's agricultural scope to strengthen plastics-dependent supply chains.
- Customs modernization: Update customs procedures to reduce trade friction and improve regional efficiency.
- Enforcement standards: Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure fair competition across all three member nations.
PLASTICS and ANIPAC confirmed they remain committed to engaging directly with policymakers in the U.S. and Mexico throughout the renewal process. A successfully renewed USMCA/T-MEC agreement will safeguard industry employment, maintain competitive resin supply chains, and reinforce North America's position in global manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USMCA/T-MEC review process?
The USMCA/T-MEC review is a scheduled evaluation of the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The first official bilateral negotiating meeting took place in Mexico City in May 2026, with government representatives assessing and potentially updating the agreement's terms.
Why are PLASTICS and ANIPAC advocating for USMCA renewal?
The two associations represent industries that generated $117.6 billion in plastics trade under USMCA in 2025, supporting millions of jobs. Renewal ensures the continuation of stable, integrated North American supply chains that their member companies depend on.
How does USMCA/T-MEC renewal affect the broader manufacturing and textile sectors?
Plastics are critical inputs for synthetic textile manufacturing, packaging, and technical materials. Stronger regional content requirements and modernized customs rules will benefit textile-adjacent industries that rely on stable North American plastics supply chains.
