The United States‘ withdrawal from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation would affect Mexico, according to a report by Mexican consulting firm Ansley.
This commission is made up of the countries that are party to the USMCA: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Commission for Environmental Cooperation
On January 7, 2026, the White House published a memorandum announcing the withdrawal of membership, participation, and funding. The target: organizations and treaties considered contrary to U.S. interests.
The text lists 66 entities, 31 of which are part of the United Nations system. Thus, the scope is broad and direct.
In international trade, the impact is clear. The withdrawal from UNCTAD and the International Trade Center stands out. Therefore, the decision marks a significant shift in the economic agenda.
Ansley considered that the withdrawal of the United States from these organizations may indirectly impact Mexico, affecting the implementation of development projects that the aforementioned entities seek to develop in the country.
The most direct impact is the withdrawal of the United States from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, an organization made up of the members of the USMCA and inherited from NAFTA.
“The departure of this entity may show the US’s intention to distance itself from Mexico and Canada in matters of joint cooperation ahead of the upcoming review of the USMCA, ignoring areas of the agreement that do not contribute to its economic security interests and modification of trade and investment flows in North America,” Ansley said.
Affected organizations
The following is a list of affected organizations with operations in Mexico:
- UN Water.
- UN Institute for Training and Research.
- Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research.
- UN Conference on Trade and Development.
- UN Population Fund.
- International Renewable Energy Agency.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
- UN Human Settlements Programme.
- Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
- Pan American Institute of Geography and History.
Consultores Internacionales Ansley is a consulting firm based in Mexico City that provides strategic advice to governments and companies on public policy, international trade, regulatory affairs, investment, and international business development. Its team has extensive experience in trade negotiations and government relations.