SIIA Submits Comments to USTR on USMCA Digital Trade Review

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the operation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). SIIA highlighted the importance of maintaining the USMCA's digital trade chapter, which supports cross-border data flows, protects source code and algorithms, and fosters a fair and open digital marketplace. The submission emphasizes the economic and geostrategic significance of the agreement, noting its role in supporting millions of U.S. jobs, promoting trade and investment, and strengthening North America's digital economy.

SIIA also identified specific implementation challenges in both Canada and Mexico, including streaming regulations, data localization requirements, and privacy proposals that could impede U.S. companies and innovation. The submission offers forward-looking proposals for supplemental agreements or annexes to harmonize digital trade, cybersecurity, and AI regulations, while preventing disruptive measures such as digital services taxes or gatekeeper-style regulations. SIIA urged USTR to preserve the integrity of the digital trade chapter while continuing to engage with partners to address these issues.