6 American Journal of Transportation American Journal of Transportation ajot.com USMCA figures prominently at GSDF 2026 event in New York City Mexican and Canadian steel companies face uncertainties over the Trump Administration’s avowed position not to renew USMCA. By Manik Mehta, AJOT (EVENT – continued on page 22) The renewal of the Mexi- co-Canada-Agreement (MCA) figured prominently in dis- cussions at the recent Global Steel Dynamics Forum (GSDF) 2026, held in New York; the Association for Iron & Steel Technology and the World Steel Dynamics jointly organized the GSDF which had several steel-dedicated sessions, including one on MCA’s renewal. Indeed, the GSDF staged a special panel discussion — a “trade roundtable”— on the USMCA with five par- ticipants exchanging views on the pros-and-cons of extending the pact in its pres- ent state; both Canada and Mexico want the agreement to be extended by another 16-years, although the Trump administration announced in advance that it would not renew the USMCA in its present form and called for addressing trade deficits and other shortcomings. While the USMCA’s exten- sion was not expected by the steel industries of all three countries, some business groups had been calling for a long-term extension of the pact to create certainty between the US and its top two trading partners. Rene- gotiating an agreement of this enormity to the satisfac- tion of the three partners, par- ticularly the US which wants changes in the agreement, can be time-consuming and take months and “even years”, as one visiting Mexico busi- nessman told me. The forum examined the ongoing impact of uni- lateral US tariffs, including 50% tariffs under Section 232, with both Canada and Mexico leveraging the 2026 USMCA review to push for relief. Another issue linked to the main subject was “supply chain de-risking”, with the participants discussing strate- gies aimed at reducing reliance on non-market economies – China was the elephant in the room – by boosting integrated steel production within the North American trade bloc. Canada and Mexico, hit by 50% US steel tariffs under Section 232, wanted the US to drop the tariffs, with lead- ers of both countries hoping to persuade the US that each of the three countries stood to benefit from a free trade zone. The US response had not been a positive one. The impression gathered at the GSDF was that the US wanted major changes in the pact and, as some privately said, it might even withdraw The GSDF staged a special panel discussion – a “trade roundtable” – on the USMCA with five participants. Policy Act (NEPA). Issuance of the FONSI confirms that the environmental assess- ment has been completed and allows the project to continue advancing through the remaining design, per- mitting, and funding mile- stones necessary before construction begins. Last year, AJOT reported that construction was expected to start this summer, however, the project schedule has been refined, and construction is currently anticipated to begin in Summer 2027. “This timeline reflects the contin- ued coordination necessary to advance a project of this scale, including the ongoing USMCA review, planned toll rate considerations, and col- laboration with stakeholders to ensure the project is posi- tioned for long-term success,” Romero reports. “The World Trade Bridge Expansion remains one of the City of Laredo’s highest infrastruc- ture priorities.” Border Crossings “Continued growth in nearshoring, advanced man- ufacturing, and integrated North American supply chains underscores the importance of maintaining efficient, reliable cross-border infrastructure,” Romero continues. “The City of Laredo continues advanc- ing major infrastructure invest- ments focused on increasing commercial capacity, improv- ing freight mobility, and modernizing the international bridge system. The World Trade Bridge Expansion and planned improvements at the Colombia-Solidarity Interna- tional Bridge are key com- ponents of that long-term strategy.” (AWARDED – continued on page 16) (AWARDED – continued from page 4)
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