Public Comment on Review of the Agreement Between the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA) (Docket No. USTR–2025–0004) from Prof. Barry Appleton - October 29, 2025

<span>This paper, submitted as public comments to the U.S. Trade Representative’s 2026 Joint Review of the USMCA on October 29, 2025, argues that North American prosperity is grounded in predictable, rules-based trade relations rather than ad hoc political leverage. Drawing from experience with NAFTA and USMCA, the author warns that recent political disruptions—including tariff threats and bilateral disagreements—highlight the growing risks of uncertainty and discretionary policy for supply chains, investment, and digital trade. The submission recommends strengthening USMCA’s institutional framework by reinforcing credible dispute-resolution mechanisms, depoliticizing the Joint Review process, and ensuring legal stability for&nbsp;goods and digital commerce. Attention is given to the dynamic growth of digital and data-enabled trade, with evidence showing Canada as the leading foreign market for U.S. digital services and cross-border e-commerce. The author analyzes critical sectors such as autos, energy, and critical minerals, emphasizing that U.S. competitiveness and security depend on legal stability with partners like Canada. The paper calls for renewing USMCA’s legal architecture to support technological innovation, supply chain resilience, and a balance between sovereign digital governance and minimizing political uncertainty. The submission concludes that codified legal trust—rather than executive discretion or temporary leverage—remains North America’s enduring competitive advantage and essential foundation for the region’s next generation of growth and security. - Filed as public document -&nbsp;</span>USTR-2025-0004-00120873-CAT-11262