U.S. Plans to Exit Key Environmental Body Under USMCA Trade Deal
The U.S. government plans to withdraw from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, a body established under the USMCA trade deal. This move has raised concerns about the future of environmental collaboration between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The commission was created to strengthen environmental efforts across North America.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation was established to support environmental goals outlined in the USMCA agreement. In mid-2023, it released a timeline detailing the review process for its operations. The organisation has called for major reforms to improve its effectiveness and relevance.
The U.S. has not yet explained its decision to leave the commission. Meanwhile, the U.S. Trade Representative has not officially confirmed the withdrawal by January 2026, leaving room for policy changes. Experts see this potential exit as another setback for the broader USMCA trade agreement.
Mexican business group Concanaco-Servytur argues that leaving multilateral forums is not the solution. Instead, it believes reforming these bodies from within would better address global challenges. Mexico could use this moment to take a leading role in shaping environmental policies on the world stage.
The U.S. withdrawal, if finalised, would mark a shift in North American environmental cooperation. Mexico may now have a chance to push for institutional changes and strengthen its position in international discussions. The commission’s future will depend on how the remaining members respond to the U.S. decision.
