July 18, 2025
The Chamber hosted its second International Business Affairs Forum of the year and second in-person IBA forum since the pandemic to discuss success stories and policy and industry challenges
as North America engages in a revision of the trilateral USMCA agreement. The conversation featured Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles, Zaib Shaikh, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Alicia Kerber Palma, and Chamber International Business Affairs Chair, Lalo Acosta. With a full house, including elected officials from both sides of the border, panelists took a deep dive into the multiple impacts of recently imposed tariffs, the threat of tariffs, and how businesses in each country have leveraged the agreement to boost economic development. The conversation also highlighted a need for businesses to engage and elevate their concerns to the federal administration and make the economic case for free trade agreements and supporting policies, including leveraging Chamber-led delegation trips to Washington, D.C. and Mexico City.
Earlier this month, VP of International and Public Affairs, Kenia Zamarripa and Board member David Perez Tejada also joined Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles Zaib Shaikh and Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, to celebrate USMCA’s fifth anniversary and celebrate Canada Day.
Following these series of events, the federal administration released a letter addressed to Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, imposing a 35% tariff starting August 1st. Another letter was also addressed to Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, imposing 30% tariffs also starting August 1st. Both countries have announced ongoing negotiation talks with the federal administration to ensure a trade deal that benefits all. While this tariff will not affect goods under USMCA, key leaders are already negotiating the revision of the agreement looking ahead of 2026. 