Robert Lighthizer , former US Trade Representative and principal architect of the USMCA during Donald Trump 's first term , defended the continuation of the trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, arguing that causing an economic downturn in Mexico would be counterproductive to US interests.
Although he acknowledged that the treaty requires modifications to reduce the United States' trade deficit with Mexico , strengthen regional content, and decrease dependence on Chinese inputs , he argued that canceling the agreement or adopting measures that would "paralyze" the Mexican economy would represent a strategic error.
“I think getting rid of the whole agreement would be a mistake and would probably have too high a political cost compared to the benefits,” he said during a podcast on Foreign Affairs.
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