Canada has formally informed the United States and Mexico that it supports renewing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA, for another 16 years as the three countries approach the treaty’s scheduled review on July 1.
The proposal was outlined by Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister responsible for trade with the United States, in a letter to his U.S. and Mexican counterparts. According to Canadian media reports, Ottawa views the agreement as beneficial to North American economic integration and regional supply chains.
Any extension would require agreement from all three partners. While Canada is seeking continuity, the United States and Mexico are also reviewing potential changes to the pact. Key issues could include automotive rules, market access and tariffs affecting products such as steel, aluminum, vehicles and Canadian lumber.
USMCA replaced NAFTA and entered into force in 2020. If the three countries agree to renew it before July 1, the agreement would automatically be extended for another 16 years. Without consensus, the treaty would move into a period of annual reviews for up to 10 years before a possible expiration.
Source: Enfoque
