Trade policy developments worldwide, especially involving the United States, Canada, and Mexico have significant implications for EWTC members, influencing supply chain costs, cross-border operations, manufacturing competitiveness, and access to critical energy equipment and services. To help members navigate this evolving landscape, EWTC’s International Trade Committee welcomed David Gantz, Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, for an in-depth discussion on the USMCA review process and the future of North American trade relations.
Introduced by Committee Chair, Kartapurkh Khalsa with NOV, Gantz examined growing trade tensions, tariff uncertainty, and the implications for North American supply chain integration and global competitiveness.
Gantz outlined the changing USMCA review process, including annual reviews leading up to the agreement’s scheduled termination in 2035. He discussed key disputes affecting U.S.-Canada relations, including trade restrictions involving dairy products, motorcycles, and alcoholic beverages, as well as disagreements over automotive tariffs, cultural issues, and trade agreements with third-party countries.
The discussion also explored ongoing U.S.-Mexico negotiations and the potential for temporary agreements on issues such as automotive tariffs and concerns about China’s role in North American supply chains. Gantz noted that while bilateral negotiations may offer opportunities for progress, shared industry priorities reinforce the importance of a unified North American trade framework.
For EWTC members, the discussion underscored the importance of staying informed on USMCA developments as negotiations continue and trade relationships evolve.
EWTC will continue to engage on trade policy issues that impact members’ global operations, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support U.S. energy leadership.
If you are interested in joining the International Trade Committee, please reach out to Jessica at jsantos@energyworkforce.org.
Jessica Santos, Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
