President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the United States would be better off without USMCA and that he would prefer not to sign a new one, though he keeps renewal on the table. The statement came 13 days before July 1, the date by which all three countries must approve the treaty's renewal or announce their intention to withdraw, pursuant to the timeline set when the agreement was signed in 2020.

As reported by [La Jornada](https://www.jornada.com.mx/2026/06/18/economia/017n1eco) in its June 18 edition, the U.S. president said verbatim: "I would prefer not to have the deal, though I may sign it. I think as a country we would be better off without a deal, but I am open to doing it." He added that there is a possibility negotiations will not move forward. Coverage by [El Universo](https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/internacional/t-mec-el-acuerdo-que-donald-trump-quisiera-no-tener-nota/) and a statement from the [Business Coordinating Council](https://www.informador.mx/internacional/estados-unidos-cce-ve-politica-la-declaracion-de-trump-de-salir-del-t-mec-20260613-0024.html), as cited by El Informador, place the remark within a sequence of similar statements issued by the White House since February.

The second round of formal negotiations between Mexico and the United States closes on June 18 in Washington, with an agenda covering the automotive sector, steel and aluminum, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and fair competition rules, according to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard. The Mexican delegation traveled on Sunday the 14th and returned today, Thursday the 18th. The schedule calls for a third round in Mexico City during the week of July 20, with the stated goal of resolving outstanding issues before the joint review on July 1. Eighty-five percent of Mexican exports to the U.S. market remain tariff-free thanks to the rules of origin in the current treaty, according to figures shared by Ebrard.

The signal for the next 13 days points to a technical close before July 1, with or without a final signature, and to the reopening of trilateral talks in July. The trajectory of current tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto parts will serve as the immediate indicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did President Donald Trump say about USMCA on June 18, 2026?

Trump stated that the United States would be better off without USMCA and that he would prefer not to sign a new one, though he left renewal open; his remarks were reported by La Jornada in its June 18 edition.

When is the deadline for the three countries to renew or exit USMCA in 2026?

All three countries must approve the treaty's renewal or signal their intention to withdraw before July 1, 2026, pursuant to the timeline set when the agreement was signed in 2020, as referenced by La Jornada.

What topics does the second round of USMCA negotiations in Washington cover, from June 15 to 18, 2026?

The agenda includes the automotive sector, steel, aluminum, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and competition rules, according to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard as reported by La Jornada.

Fuentes: