The future of trade integration in North America is being shaped by a combination of policy, infrastructure, and strategic cooperation. This panel will explore how these elements interact to drive competitiveness and resilience across the region.

The discussion will examine the evolution of USMCA and the importance of maintaining stable, rules-based trade in the face of tariff volatility. It will also address the modernization of border operations, from one-stop customs facilities and a potential Binational Customs Agency to new approaches for mapping land ports and commodity flows. In addition, panelists will consider how digital infrastructure initiatives such as the North American Digital Infrastructure Coordination Initiative (NADICI) can harness AI and cybersecurity to enable secure, interoperable commerce.

Finally, the session will highlight the role of Southern U.S. states as critical trade corridors and explore the proposal for a North American Industrial Coordination Council (NAICC) to align industrial policy, investment, and workforce development. Together, these themes point toward a more integrated and resilient regional economy.