USMCA and Small Businesses
Almost a month ago, the Senate put forward the USMCA or the United States, Mexico, and Canada Agreement. Several days later, the President signed off on it, replacing the North America Free Trade Agreement. Since the latter was in effect ever since 1994, many SMB owners want to know what changed between USMCAvs. NAFTA. First of all, the USMCA is the only trade agreement that mentions SMEs specifically. But that isn’t all. You’ll find the following changes interesting:
SME Dialogue Framework and Committee
The USMCA Agreement provides not only useful information for SMEs in the relevant regions. It also mentions tools that will allow the sharing of that information and the benefits that are now available. For instance, a committee that will discuss SME issues is now in place. It comprises of government officials from the partner countries. There’s also a framework that encourages the ongoing SME Dialogue. As a business owner, you can take part in it, and ensure that the benefits only grow.
Unspooling the Border Red Tape
In the chapter on Customs and Trade Facilitation in the USMCA Trade Agreement, you will see some of the benefits we mentioned above. For instance, the informal level of shipment, i.e., $2,500, reduces the paperwork needed for express shipments within it. Then there’s the elevation of Canada’s de minimis level for express shipments. According to the agreement, shipments from C$40-150 are exempt from taxes and duties – previously, it was C$20. If you’re calculating in USD, one Canadian dollar was equal to $1.32 in 2019. Besides that, Mexico’s de minimis level that is exempt from duties and taxes is now from US$50 to US$117 for express shipments.
Tech Support
You’ll also discover advantages to SMEs in the Digital Trade chapter, such as:
- Absence of customs duties on digital and electronically distributed products, including games, e-books, software, videos, and music
- Limiting requirements for data localization and protection of cross- border data flow
- Restrictions on how much proprietary algorithms or source code must be disclosed
Agricultural Support
The USMCA Overview will show you that, like NAFTA, it maintains the tariff rate on certain food and agricultural products at zero. Additionally, Canada will lower current tariffs on poultry and dairy too.
Government Procurement
Look for specific support for the SMEs in the eponymous chapter of the agreement, including:
- Encouragement for more SME participation in government procurement by making tender documentation free and structuring procurements so small businesses can compete
- Maintaining the same exclusion as under the NAFTA
Cross Border Services Support
The USMCA Support also makes it unnecessary for small businesses providing services across the border to open a foreign office. Aside from eliminating the local presence rule, the chapter on Cross-Border Trade in Services urges that parties check the effect their regulatory actions have on SME service suppliers.
Regulatory Practices
The same is true for the government’s practices that increase transparency and accountability. Due to this step, SMEs will not cave under a disproportionate burden since it will be divided evenly between all parties. It will also lead to less unnecessary, duplicative, or divergent procedures. While the date when these provisions go into effect is still unannounced, they will promote US GDP and job growth when they do. For more USMCA Facts and its effects on the US economy, stay in touch!
