USMCA & CROSS-BORDER COMPLIANCE SERVICES

Helping Canadian manufacturers prepare for the Sunset Clause of 2026 - review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement

Avoid tariff surprises at the border

The USMCA "sunset clause" is a provision that requires a 16-year review and extension for the agreement to remain in effect, with the first joint review scheduled for the sixth anniversary of its entry into force (July 1, 2026). The agreement automatically terminates after 16 years unless all three parties—the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—confirm their desire to extend it for another 16-year term. This review process is designed to ensure the agreement remains relevant and adaptable over time. 

Prepare for the 2026 USMCA “Sunset Clause”Review

Before Border Enforcement Changes Your Costs

Do you ship machinery, assemblies, aluminum, steel, or electrical components into the United States?

Upcoming changes could affect your margins, customer relationships, and supply chain.
We help manufacturers get ahead of the risk.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

July 1, 2026 - SUNSET CLAUSE

The first mandatory joint review of the USMCA takes place.


This review may lead to:

  • stricter rules of origin

  • more aggressive verification of aluminum, steel, motors, electrical components

  • increased audits from U.S. Customs and Border Protection

  • new or higher tariffs on items that were previously duty-free

  • U.S. customers demanding proof of origin before they purchase

Most manufacturers are still shipping with “assumed compliance.” - 2026 is when “assumed” becomes “prove it.”

WHY WORK WITH J44

We’ve lived it!

After almost two decades running a Canadian manufacturing company that shipped aluminum-heavy machinery into the United States, our leadership personally experienced:

  • misclassification issues

  • aluminum & steel origin traps

  • motor/electrical component origin failures

  • sudden tariff hits

  • documentation problems

  • cross-border transition challenges

  • broker frustrations

  • CBP origin questioning

  • supplier misinformation

We know what happens when compliance looks right — until customs checks.

Our approach blends:

  • manufacturing reality

  • supply chain logic

  • practical risk analysis

  • cross-border experience

  • professional documentation standards

We help you see what’s coming before it becomes costly.

WHO WE WORK WITH

We specialize in Canadian manufacturers who:

  • ship equipment, parts, machinery, or assemblies into the U.S.

  • work with aluminum, steel, motors, wiring, control panels, or electrical components

  • serve the machinery, metal fabrication, commercial equipment, agricultural, automotive supply, and industrial sectors

  • want to protect margins and customer relationships ahead of 2026

  • need clear guidance, not theory