# U.S. Invokes USMCA Labor Review on Yokohama Mexico Plant

The U.S. Department of Labor has formally initiated a review under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism of the USMCA concerning alleged denial of workers' rights at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mexico, S.A. de C.V. This action follows the closure of the Yokohama plant in Salem, Virginia, and aims to enforce fair labor practices and uphold trade commitments between the U.S. and Mexico. The review involves coordination among federal agencies including the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, as well as Mexican labor organizations.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should be aware that labor compliance and fair labor practices are increasingly scrutinized under trade agreements, potentially affecting supply chain stability and vendor eligibility.
- The invocation of the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism signals heightened enforcement of labor standards in cross-border manufacturing operations, which may influence contract risk assessments.
- Companies engaged in manufacturing or sourcing from Mexico should evaluate their labor practices and prepare for possible audits or investigations under USMCA provisions.
- This development underscores the importance of monitoring labor rights issues as part of procurement due diligence and supplier management strategies.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
- Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB)
- Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement (ILC)
- Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana (LSOM)

### Vendors
- Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (subject of labor rights review)

### Sources
- [United States Seeks Mexico’s Review of Alleged Denial of Workers’ Rights at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mexico, S.A. de C.V. | U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ilab/ilab20260925) - DOL