Bridges and borders: Economic policy across North America
Hosted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
This conference examined key policy and economic challenges shaping the future of North American integration, with a focus on labor mobility, remittance flows and cross-border trade. As the region navigates shifting immigration dynamics and prepares for a pivotal review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2026, conference sessions explored how policy decisions affect economic resilience, productivity and regional cooperation. Experts assessed the implications for workers, firms and communities and considered strategies for strengthening economic ties across borders.
This conference was the second in a two-part series. | Part 1: Outlook for North American Trade and Immigration
Agenda
| Thursday, November 6 | |
| 9:00 a.m. EST | Welcome remarks
|
| 9:10 a.m. EST | Opening fireside chat Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade of Mexico, with Luis Torres, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, on tariffs and the economic outlook |
| 10:15 a.m. EST | Session 1: Immigration and remittance policies and impact This session focuses on the economic impact of restrictions on immigrants and immigration, deportations and taxing of remittances. The panelists weigh the potential for increased labor turnover and lower productivity for workers and firms, reduced school attendance, damage to public health and harm from deportations for some communities. Moderator: Pia Orrenius, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Speakers:
|
| 12:00 p.m. EST | Session 2: The future of the USMCA What are the challenges for the future of trade between Mexico and the United States as the USMCA is renegotiated next year? Among the issues is the 25 percent tariff on Mexican imports imposed by the U.S., which does not comply with USMCA regulations. In addition to tariffs, the discussion will focus on economic impacts of revisions to rules of origin and foreign direct investment. Moderator: Jeffrey J. Schott, PIIE Speakers:
|
| 1:15 p.m. EST | Closing remarks Marcus Noland, PIIE |