The USMCA, and Beyond the Negotiating Table

Welcome to The View from North America — my quick-take on the macro policy, data, and regional dynamics shaping the cross-border corridor. If you watched the headlines out of Mexico City this past week, you know the gears of North American trade are spinning. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard and the U.S. Trade Representative’s team are actively…

Tough straits: Americans and the world respond.

The spring of 2026 arrived and brought with it a sobering reality: the US administration’s “doctrine of coercion” is bumping up against both the law and public sentiment. President Trump’s use of blunt-force tariffs and a superior military have reshaped certain theaters. However, the US Supreme Court has limited the executive’s use of IEEPA for…

Geopolitical shift, a North American shield.

2026 blew in at a dizzying pace, headlined by the “tale of two speeches” at Davos which underscored a profound reordering of global alliances and confirmation that we can no longer rely on the predictability of the past.  This February marks 4 full years since Vladimir Putin first invaded Ukraine. While Russia held its ground in 2025, Moscow did not make any…

Geopolitical chess, and Mexico.

Before I get to the newsletter, I want to extend my congratulations to my colleagues on the LatAm team at White & Case who, for the third consecutive year, have once again been recognized by Chambers Latin America as the international law firm with the most Band 1 ranked lawyers. Also, I’d like to invite you…

USMCA: Encouraging, but miles (and some politics) to go.

After twenty plus years in country, and over a decade at White & Case here in Mexico City, I can honestly say that if you’re looking to escape the heat where you are, you should consider a long weekend in one of the world’s most amazing cities. And no reason to take my word for it, here’s a…

Summer’s near, but no vacation in sight.

Memorial Day is now behind us and summer just around the corner. The long holiday weekend left Congress with just a few days to take action on the debt limit in order to avoid a catastrophic US government default. This week, President Biden and Republican leadership reached a deal to suspend the debt ceiling, which contains compromises for both political…

Spring in the air, and temperatures rising.

In the wake of Tesla’s decision last month to open a plant in northern Mexico, we’ve seen a modest uptick in the Mexican economy. Mexico’s inflation decreased more than expected last month. Remittances from abroad also rose 11 percent in February over the previous year, and Mexico’s year-on-year automobile production in March increased 13 percent with auto exports rising by…

In The News

Subscribe!