USTR opens USMCA labour probe into Mexican box maker Madobox

The US Trade Representative has asked Mexico to review alleged denial of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights at Madobox, a corrugated packaging manufacturer in Uruapan, Michoacan, that supplies boxes for avocado, mango, berry and tomato exports. USTR has directed the US Treasury to suspend liquidation of customs entries for goods made at the Madobox facility, delaying final duty assessment on affected imports. Mexico has 10 days from the 2 November request to agree to investigate and, if it accepts, 45 days to complete the review.

Why this mattersA labour complaint at one box plant now carries a customs consequence, a supplier risk US importers of Mexican-made packaging have to weigh.

• USTR requested the review on 2 November 2026 under the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.
• The target is Madobox S.A. de C.V., a corrugated box maker in Uruapan, Michoacan.
• US Treasury has been directed to suspend liquidation of customs entries for goods produced at the facility.
• A union affiliated with COCENA filed the underlying petition on 30 September 2026, alleging interference with organising and retaliatory dismissals.
• Mexico has 10 days from 2 November to agree to investigate, and 45 days from that date to complete the review if it accepts.
• Madobox supplies corrugated packaging for avocados, mangoes, berries and tomatoes, including products for export markets.

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