The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) proposed including a chapter on critical minerals in the USMCA.

Diego Marroquín Bitar, a researcher with CSIS’s Americas Program, proposed this change as part of the USTR’s consultations on the USMCA.

Critical minerals in the USMCA

At the public consultations held in Washington on December 3, Marroquín explained the approach. First, the United States should ensure reliable access to critical minerals. To do so, tariffs on Mexico and Canada must be limited to those permitted by the USMCA. He also proposed negotiating a parallel chapter. The goal: to harmonize standards, speed up permits, and guarantee supply in times of crisis. All this to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, from the automotive industry to defense.

Marroquín then proposed a North American product passport. This would be a digital tool that would allow for real-time tracking of inputs. Thus, a coordinated assessment would strengthen the enforcement of laws against forced labor. It would also prevent transshipment and increase the transparency of regional supply chains.

In this context, the researcher spoke of a “North American stronghold.” A structure that is more resilient to manipulation and coercion. He then placed energy at the center of the debate. The United States, he said, should formalize energy cooperation through a regional business council. In addition, energy planning should be integrated into the USMCA competitiveness committee.

Energy

Shared energy abundance is a strategic asset, especially in the face of global competition. Therefore, institutionalizing cooperation would help protect domestic producers. It would also drive innovation and international positioning.

At the same time, Marroquín proposed modernizing the USMCA rules on digital trade and emerging technologies. The focus would be on the governance of artificial intelligence, data flows, and platform interoperability. If the rules are not set now, he warned, others will impose standards that are not in line with democratic interests.

Towards the end, he emphasized the need for greater financial integration. He also called for stricter coordination against money laundering. These measures would reduce transaction costs. They would also facilitate access to capital for small businesses. And they would strengthen defenses against illicit flows.

From the CSIS perspective, a stronger and modernized USMCA supports a competitive North America. It protects jobs, secures strategic industries, and reinforces U.S. leadership in a fragmented global environment. Without reliable access to critical minerals, that goal is weakened, especially in light of China‘s recent restrictions on the export of rare earths and magnets.