Once change made in the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) was that it includes modernized digital trade rules, which is a big win for the tech industry.

The previous trade agreement between the three countries, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), was established in 1994 before the rise of e-commerce and digital trade. The USMCA addresses this by including provisions that remove barriers to digital trade and promote cross-border data flow.

One of the key provisions in the USMCA is the prohibition of data localization requirements. This means that businesses will no longer be required to store their data in a specific location within the three countries` borders. This increases efficiency and reduces costs for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which will benefit greatly from increased access to foreign markets.

The agreement also includes new provisions on intellectual property (IP) protection for digital trade, including strengthened copyright protection and increased criminal penalties for trade secret theft. This will provide greater incentives for innovation and creativity, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

The USMCA also includes provisions on e-commerce, including rules on online consumer protection and responsible business conduct. In addition, it establishes a committee on digital trade to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the agreement`s digital trade rules.

Overall, the inclusion of modernized digital trade rules in the USMCA is a significant step forward for the tech industry and for businesses in general. It will help to promote innovation, increase access to foreign markets, and provide a framework for responsible digital trade practices.