The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has opened a public consultation on the USMCA ahead of its 2027 annual joint review. The October 5 Federal Register notice seeks written comments and requests to participate in a public hearing.
The consultation is an opportunity to submit views about the agreement's operation. It is not a decision to change the agreement or a statement of the position the United States will take at the review.
What can be raised
The notice invites comments on implementation, compliance, and specific actions USTR should propose. It also asks about North America's investment climate, competitiveness, economic security and cooperation concerning other countries' non-market policies and practices.
Small businesses and organizations representing them are asked to identify themselves so USTR can recognize issues of particular relevance to that group.
The dates and dockets
Written comments and requests to appear at the hearing are due January 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST. These are printed dates, not a count from the publication day.
Written comments go to USTR-2026-0595. Hearing requests, including a summary of proposed testimony, go to USTR-2026-0596. Both use USTR's electronic comments portal.
The notice says hearing remarks are limited to five minutes. It does not set the hearing's date or location, directing readers to USTR's website for those details. Rebuttal submissions may be made within seven calendar days after the last hearing day, so this notice alone does not establish their calendar deadline.
Public and confidential submissions
Submissions must be in English. The portal does not require an account, but representatives filing for another organization must provide the identification and contact information the notice requires.
Business-confidential material has separate marking, certification and public-version requirements. Hearing testimony cannot contain such material because the hearing is public. Filers should use the notice's instructions for their submission type.