USMCA 2027 joint review: USTR opens comments and hearing
USTR launches the public consultation for the 2027 USMCA annual joint review: dockets, deadlines, hearing rules, and what importers and brokers should watch.
USTR opened a public comment and hearing process ahead of the 2027 USMCA annual joint review. FR Doc. 2026-20341 (91 FR 63379) follows the first joint review, where the United States declined to extend the Agreement for a new 16-year term.
Written comments and hearing appearance requests due January 12, 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST. Dockets USTR-2026-0595 (comments/rebuttals) and USTR-2026-0596 (appear requests) at comments.ustr.gov.
Why annual joint reviews are now the default
USMCA entered into force July 1, 2020. Article 34.7.1 terminates the Agreement 16 years later (July 1, 2036) unless each Party confirms continuation for a new 16-year term. The Free Trade Commission convened July 1, 2026 for the first joint review under Article 34.7.2. Because the United States did not agree to extend, Articles 34.7.4-6 require annual joint reviews until all three Parties confirm extension or the term expires. USTR acts under Section 611 of the USMCA Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. § 4611).
Dockets: USTR-2026-0595 (comments/rebuttals); USTR-2026-0596 (appear)
Portal: https://comments.ustr.gov/s/
Comments + appear requests: Jan 12, 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST
Hearing date/location: to be posted on ustr.gov
Rebuttals: 7 calendar days after last hearing day, 11:59 p.m. EST
What USTR wants to hear
- Operation or implementation of the USMCA
- Compliance issues
- Recommended actions for USTR ahead of the joint review
- North American investment climate and USMCA's effectiveness in promoting investment that strengthens U.S. competitiveness, productivity, and technological leadership
- Strategies for North American economic security and competitiveness, including cooperation on non-market policies and practices of other countries
Hearing and filing mechanics
Oral remarks are limited to five minutes. Testimony is public: no BCI in oral remarks. BCI pages in written submissions must be marked "BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL" at the top, with the confidential material clearly indicated, plus a public version. Small businesses (generally under 500 employees) or organizations representing them should self-identify. Contacts: Randall Oliver (Director for Canada) and Braeden Young (Director for Mexico).
USMCA keeps its own drawback limits for certain Canada/Mexico export scenarios (the "lesser of" framework under 19 U.S.C. §§ 1313(n) and (o) and the implementing rules in 19 CFR Part 182 / Part 190 as applicable). This consultation is about Agreement operation, not a rewrite of those statutes. Separately, Canada Section 338 measures and filing friction remain live for some origin/HTS combinations; see Section 338 Canada duties and drawback.
- FR Doc. 2026-20341 (91 FR 63379): USTR seeks comments and hearing participation ahead of the 2027 USMCA annual joint review.
- First joint review (July 1, 2026): United States did not agree to a new 16-year extension, so annual reviews continue under Arts. 34.7.4-6 until all Parties confirm or the Agreement expires (July 1, 2036 default).
- Deadline: written comments and requests to appear (with testimony summary) by Jan 12, 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST via comments.ustr.gov (USTR-2026-0595 / USTR-2026-0596).
- Hearing date/location TBD on ustr.gov. Oral remarks: 5 minutes; no BCI in testimony. Rebuttals due 7 calendar days after the last hearing day.
- USMCA drawback limits (lesser-of / §§ 1313(n)/(o)) are unchanged by this notice. Self-identify if you are a small business (<500 employees).
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.