Automotive investments in the United States grew fourfold since the ratification of the USMCA compared to the equivalent period in the previous year, General Motors noted.

Overall, the high standards agreed upon by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, in effect since July 1, 2020, established ambitious but achievable investment and sourcing requirements that supported U.S. investment.

Automotive investments in the United States

The USMCA establishes stricter rules of origin, higher regional content in cars, reinforced labor and environmental standards, free digital trade, investment protection, dispute settlement mechanisms, and periodic reviews to ensure compliance and updating.

Since the ratification of this treaty, private investment in automotive fixed assets has been four times higher than in the equivalent previous period. These investments support jobs in all three countries. 

For example, General Motors uses a significant amount of U.S. propulsion in vehicles manufactured in Mexico to ensure compliance with strict rules of origin, linking Mexican vehicle production to U.S. jobs and technology. 

In a letter sent to the White House Trade Representative (USTR), the company acknowledged that the rules of origin could benefit from clarification in light of the dispute. 

General Motors supports updating and clarifying automotive rules of origin, provided that any changes to the rules or their application are made well in advance, are developed based on solid input from the industry, and are carefully balanced with the realities of the supply chain.

Tariff advantages

Global financial markets experienced high volatility following the tariff announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, not everything was a negative impact.

Although some tariffs affect Mexican exports, products that comply with the USMCA retain key benefits. In most cases, they remain tariff-free or receive preferential treatment.

These goods account for a significant portion of Mexican exports to the United States. As a result, Mexico retains a competitive advantage over other countries. It also strengthens its position as a reliable trading partner for the U.S. economy.

In the first 10 months of 2025, Mexican exports to the United States reached $447.998 billion, with year-on-year growth of 5.6%. In contrast, U.S. exports to Mexico totaled $283.182 billion, with marginal growth of 0.2%.