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USMCA Uncertainty: Impact on Automotive Sales?

Lider Empresarial USA
January 22, 2026
USMCA Uncertainty: Impact on Automotive Sales?

Querétaro's automotive industry anticipates a challenging Q1 2026 due to USMCA uncertainty and upcoming review, with concerns over sales deceleration. The agreement's impact on auto manufacturing is key amidst international tension.

As 2025 draws to a close, marked by uncertainty surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Querétaro’s automotive distribution industry anticipates a challenging first quarter. Laura Rodríguez Miranda, president of the state’s Association of Automotive Vehicle Distributors (AMDA), affirmed this, recognizing a deceleration in the pace of new light vehicle sales during the initial days of 2026.

“We anticipate a very challenging first quarter, with an expected downturn in sales,” she stated.

Querétaro Concludes 2025 with a Negative Trend

According to AMDA’s latest report, the state registered a negative annual variation of 0.4% compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, it contributed 2.5% of total sales to the national market. Furthermore, the

reported that primary automotive sales were concentrated in the multi-purpose vehicle and truck segments, with these units representing 57.6% of total operations in the state. Read more here:

What is the USMCA and How Does it Affect the Automotive Industry?

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

is a trade agreement designed to facilitate commercial exchange and solidify the North American region as a key economic benchmark.

One of the industries regulated by the

is the automotive sector, part of the secondary sector. In this context, this trade agreement is crucial for vehicle production and commercialization.

The first formal meeting of the USMCA Council for its mandated six-year review is scheduled for July 1, 2026. In the lead-up to this renegotiation, public consultations have been underway since September 2025 to gather input and suggestions from business entities, experts, governments, and organizations.

The USMCA review is occurring amidst a climate of international tension. On Wednesday, December 3rd, public hearings began in Washington D.C., initiating the oral consultation phase. In this framework, U.S. President Donald Trump declared this trade agreement “unnecessary,” specifically regarding automobile manufacturing in Mexico. Learn more here:

The post

first appeared on Líder Empresarial.