About
Purpose
By statue, in July 2026, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will have the opportunity to affirm a 16-year extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). If any of these countries decides not to affirm the extension, it will trigger ongoing annual reviews which could disrupt our critical North American economic relationship and create significant uncertainty for businesses.
By joining forces through the Coalition for North American Trade (CNAT), the business community can ensure that the United States, Mexico, and Canada recognize and act to preserve the profound economic and security benefits of the Agreement.
The Issue
The economically integrated North American market, underpinned by the USMCA, is the strongest and wealthiest regional market in the world. It offers predictability and stability, enabling businesses in all three countries to make long-term strategic investments that increase our competitiveness and raise our standard of living. The USMCA is also instrumental in combating unfair trade-distorting practices by other countries, enhancing supply chain resilience, and driving economic growth and prosperity in North America.
The Agreement has been in effect since 2020, and in July 2026, the Parties will decide whether to extend the Agreement for 16 years. The real efforts to engage in the review are beginning now.
It is critical for the business community to have a strong voice throughout the review process. This will allow businesses to effectively underscore the importance of the USMCA and develop coordinated advocacy efforts to pave the way for its extension.
Why the USMCA Matters
The USMCA is a cornerstone of our integrated North American market, the strongest and wealthiest regional market in the world.
By extending and reinforcing this agreement, we can achieve significant economic gains, create more jobs, boost wages, and secure a prosperous and resilient future for all three countries. In a time of growing global challenges, the USMCA provides the predictability and stability needed for businesses to make long-term strategic investments, enhancing our competitiveness and raising our standard of living.
Our Commitment
We are united in our commitment to extending and strengthening the USMCA.
CNAT provides a forum for members to share information, discuss, and align on strategy, and respond rapidly to developments. It also serves as a platform to craft and advance advocacy efforts towards the goal of USMCA extension. The Coalition does not seek to replace advocacy efforts that any individual member would otherwise undertake.
The Coalition is dedicated to increasing awareness of the USMCA’s value and amplifying the voices of our member organizations. We will emphasize the Agreement’s ability to address the shared challenges faced by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Together, we can combat unfair trade practices, enhance supply chain resilience, and drive economic growth.
Meet the Co-Chairs
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Kevin Brady
UNITED STATES
Kevin Brady served in public office for over three decades, including as a U.S. member of Congress representing Texas's 8th district and as Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means. He played a crucial role in negotiating the USMCA, securing approval for 13 of America’s 15 free trade agreements, and was the main architect behind the historic Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, the first major reform of U.S. tax code since 1986.
He is currently a senior consultant at Akin and is based in Washington, D.C.
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Ken Smith Ramos
MEXICO
Ken Smith Ramos served as Mexico’s Chief Negotiator for the modernization of NAFTA, leading to the historic signing of the USMCA. He was the former Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office at the Ministry of the Economy in Washington, DC, and Coordinator General for International Affairs at the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, where he managed agricultural trade negotiations and international cooperation.
He is currently a partner at Agon and is based in Mexico City.
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Steve Verheul
CANADA
Steve Verheul served as Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator for key deals, including the USMCA. During his tenure in public service, he was Assistant Deputy Minister of the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch at Global Affairs Canada and appointed as Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator for negotiations between Canada and the European Union in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
He is currently a principal at gt&co and is based in Toronto.
Scope
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The Coalition will:
Engage in advocacy efforts directly with key government stakeholders in all three Parties.
Prepare and publish press releases, letters, op-eds, and other media products.
We will host events, speeches, panels, and webinars promoting USMCA and its economic advantages.
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Beyond direct advocacy efforts, the Coalition will function as a forum for all members to coordinate ongoing advocacy efforts and share information gathered.
The Coalition does not intend to replace advocacy efforts that any individual member would otherwise undertake.
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Akin, Agon, and gt&co will supply support staff to assist the Co-Chairs, oversee the Coalition, and facilitate its activities.
The firms will prepare documents, conduct meetings, and coordinate among Coalition members and the broader Steering Committee to support all activities.
Get Involved.
Together, we can combat unfair trade practices, enhance supply chain resilience, and drive economic growth.
For more information about CNAT and our ongoing efforts to preserve the North American economic relationship, please fill out the form below.
A representative from our team will be in touch with you shortly.