USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) is the single most powerful tariff reduction tool available to US importers in 2026. Qualifying goods from Mexico and Canada are exempt from the 15% Section 122 surcharge — a massive advantage that most other countries don't have.
💰 Savings Example: $50,000 Electronics Shipment from Mexico
Without USMCA: 2.5% MFN + 15% Section 122 = 17.5% → $8,750 in duties
With USMCA: 2.5% MFN only = 2.5% → $1,250 in duties
USMCA savings: $7,500 per shipment (86% less duties)
Products must meet rules of origin — meaning they must be substantially manufactured in North America. Simply shipping a Chinese product through Mexico doesn't qualify. The key tests are regional value content (typically 40-75% of value must originate in North America) and tariff shift rules (components must be transformed into a different product classification).
Step 1: Determine if your product's HTS chapter has a specific rule of origin under USMCA Annex 4-B.
Step 2: Obtain a USMCA Certificate of Origin from your supplier.
Step 3: Have your customs broker file the USMCA preferential claim on your entry summary.
Not filing the claim: Your broker won't automatically apply USMCA rates. You must request it and provide the certificate of origin.
Assuming all Mexico/Canada goods qualify: Products made with substantial non-North American components may not meet rules of origin.
Not getting the certificate: Without a valid certificate of origin, CBP will deny the preferential rate even if the product qualifies.
Compare USMCA vs Non-USMCA Rates
Tariff Comparison Calculator →No. USMCA eliminates the 15% Section 122 surcharge for qualifying goods. MFN base duties still apply. Section 232 tariffs (steel, aluminum, autos) also still apply regardless of USMCA.
No. USMCA requires products to be substantially manufactured in North America. Transshipping Chinese goods through Mexico is illegal.