The Texas Public Policy Foundation commended the Trump administration’s decision not to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form and urged the administration to use this pause to strengthen American leverage and advance U.S. national security interests.
For too long, the USMCA has been treated as though trade exists separately from the broader U.S.-Mexico relationship. Economic integration and national security are inseparable. The United States has long provided Mexico with extraordinary access to the world’s largest consumer market while bearing the consequences of persistent transnational security threats that directly impact American communities. An annual review process would provide an opportunity to ensure that America’s economic relationships are evaluated alongside the security realities that affect both nations.
“For years, we have argued that trade policy and security policy cannot operate in separate lanes,” said Joshua Treviño, Chief Transformation Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “Access to the American economy is a privilege. That privilege should be conditioned on measurable progress in confronting foreign terrorist networks and other transnational security threats that undermine both our nations. An annual review process would provide an opportunity to evaluate whether that progress is being made. By pausing renewal, the administration has bought itself real leverage — and it’s time to use it.”
The Foundation has consistently advocated that future trade relations with Mexico should be linked to measurable security performance. Continued access to the American market should depend upon demonstrated cooperation in dismantling cartel networks, reducing illicit trafficking, restoring the rule of law, and protecting both American and Mexican citizens.
Mexico’s economy remains heavily dependent on trade with the United States, while remittances sent from the United States constitute another major source of economic support. At the same time, years of insecurity, weak governance, and economic mismanagement have constrained Mexico’s long-term growth. These realities provide the United States with substantial leverage that should be used strategically to advance mutual security interests rather than treated as an unconditional benefit.
“This is a moment of real strategic clarity from the administration,” said Greg Sindelar, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “President Trump understands that America’s economic strength is also a source of strategic leverage. We commend the administration for holding this agreement open, and we are urging them to use the time between now and a final deal to secure meaningful action against cartel violence and other shared security threats benefits both countries, but most importantly protects the American people.”
The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the administration’s foresight in recognizing that economic policy and national security are inseparable. The United States should continue to ensure that access to the American market is earned through genuine partnership, accountability, and measurable security outcomes—not assumed as a permanent entitlement.