REPLACING NAFTA WITH USMCA: ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF REGIONAL TRADE EVOLUTION IN NORTH AMERICA

Аннотация

This study evaluates the economic impact of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on member countries, focusing on trade volumes, foreign direct investment (FDI), and GDP growth. Using post-USMCA data and comparative analysis with the former NAFTA framework, the study reveals moderate increases in trade and FDI, particularly in Mexico. While Canada and the U.S. experienced marginal benefits, Mexico's manufacturing sector notably expanded. The findings indicate that while USMCA modernizes trade relations and enhances digital and labor provisions, its economic benefits are unevenly distributed. Recommendations suggest policy harmonization and infrastructure development to optimizeintegration and equitableeconomic growth. Keywords: USMCA, regional trade agreements, economic impact, foreign direct investment, tradevolume, GDP growth, NAFTA