Mexico Removed From US Priority Watch List on Intellectual Property

Mexico City — The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has removed Mexico from its Priority Watch List in the 2026 Special 301 Report, which assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property (IP) protection among U.S. trading partners.

USTR Jamieson Greer said the agency is committed to addressing unfair trade practices. “Using all enforcement tools at our disposal to address unfair trade practices is a top priority,” Greer said. “We have rigorously reviewed the IP practices of our trading partners and look forward to taking action when necessary to protect American innovators and creators around the world.”

Along with Mexico, Argentina was also moved from the Priority Watch List to the Watch List, reflecting significant improvements in IP policy, according to U.S. officials.

Vietnam was identified as a Priority Foreign Country, and the European Union was placed on the Watch List. Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Rick Switzer emphasized that American innovators, creators, and trademark owners rely on strong IP protection and enforcement.

The USTR said it will continue pressing trading partners to resolve IP-related trade barriers through negotiations for reciprocal trade agreements and other initiatives.

The Special 301 Report is an annual review mandated by the Trade Act of 1974. This year, the USTR examined more than 100 trading partners.

As a result of Vietnam’s designation as a Priority Foreign Country, the USTR will decide within 30 days whether to initiate a Section 301 investigation. If launched, the USTR will seek consultations with Vietnam to resolve the issues that led to the designation.

Six countries remain on the Priority Watch List: Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and Venezuela. The USTR said it will intensify engagement with these countries over the next year.

Nineteen trading partners are on the Watch List, including Algeria, Argentina, Barbados, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, the European Union, Guatemala, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turkey.