USMCA 2026 What Companies Should Be Watching

February 19, 2026

📝Editor’s Note

Over the past week, cross-border trade discussions have intensified as governments prepare for upcoming treaty reviews and tariff adjustments. At the same time, regulators continue to increase scrutiny of supply chain transparency and origin verification. The question for compliance leaders is straightforward: are trade compliance programs aligned with geopolitical risk, or are they still reactive?

USMCA 2026 What Companies Should Be Watching

In 2026, businesses operating under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) are being urged to reassess their trade compliance frameworks, as the upcoming joint review could introduce adjustments tied to rules of origin, labor standards, and enforcement mechanisms. While the agreement remains in force, political shifts in the three member states may influence trade priorities and enforcement intensity.

Companies in logistics, manufacturing, and automotive sectors should monitor potential changes to regional value content requirements and labor compliance obligations. Enhanced customs audits and origin verification checks are also expected to remain a priority. Organizations that rely heavily on cross-border supply chains must review documentation accuracy, supplier certifications, and tariff classifications well ahead of 2026.

Key takeaway: Trade agreements are not static instruments. Proactive review of supply chain documentation, origin calculations, and labor compliance controls will reduce disruption risk if policy adjustments occur.

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âś… Best Practice Spotlight

Strengthening Third-Party Compliance Oversight

  1. Establish a centralized third-party risk register that captures ownership, jurisdiction, and regulatory exposure.

  2. Require documented due diligence refresh cycles based on risk tier, not calendar year alone.

  3. Integrate sanctions screening, beneficial ownership checks, and adverse media monitoring into onboarding.

  4. Mandate contractual audit rights and clear remediation clauses for non-compliance.

  5. Conduct random compliance validation checks rather than relying solely on self-attestations.

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🌟 Leader Spotlight

Public Reporting in Small Business Social Compliance

Uncommon Cacao is a California-based registered B Corporation operating in the cocoa supply chain. In 2021, the company published its tenth annual Transparency Report, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to public accountability. Uncommon Cacao works with nearly 4,000 farmers organized in collectives across seven cocoa-producing countries and supplies more than 200 craft chocolatiers worldwide.

By consistently disclosing purchasing volumes, pricing data, and sourcing practices, the company brings measurable transparency to a sector often criticized for opacity. Its reporting model allows stakeholders to review verified data, supports informed purchasing decisions, and establishes clearer pricing benchmarks across the global cocoa supply chain.

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