The U.S. and Mexico reported this month some additional progress on trade issues included in a high-level economic dialogue relaunched in September 2021.
Collaboration under the HLED includes working to improve the regional business environment, deploy advanced technologies, strengthen the resilience of U.S.-Mexico supply chains, promote lawful trade and travel, and support regulatory compatibility and risk mitigation in the information and communication technologies, networks, cybersecurity, telecom, and infrastructure sectors.
A recent fact sheet indicated that since the last ministerial meeting (with the next one anticipated this fall) there has been some progress on high-tech issues. The two sides are continuing to work toward a pilot project to determine the feasibility of near-shoring semiconductor manufacturing inputs, which would reduce the risk of future supply chain disruptions and support the further integration of small and medium-sized enterprises into these supply chains. The fact sheet mentioned other “ongoing projects” regarding supply chain coordination in the semiconductor and information and communication technology ecosystems but offered no additional details. In addition, a new alliance between U.S. and Mexican universities and microelectronics manufacturers will seek to train workers and build semiconductor production in North America.
There has been some movement on customs issues as well. A test of joint planning, targeting, inspection, and communications at a model port of entry resulted in increased revenue and security screening, and a second model port of entry will be selected this year to test and assess coordination and communication between ports of entry. The two sides have also made progress toward aligning their respective authorized economic operator programs, including modifying the minimum security criteria requirements for Mexico’s AEO program, which are expected to be published shortly.
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