Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Canada is open to building closer trade connections with the United States and Mexico in certain industries, aiming to foster greater economic prosperity across the continent. Speaking at a political conference in Toronto on Saturday, Carney said, “Like Mexico, Canada remains open to deeper integration, including options for ‘Fortress North America’ in selected sectors.”
Trade Deal Review Looms
The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are set to undergo a review of their trade deal this year, six years after it came into effect during Donald Trump’s first term. The president has disrupted trade relations by imposing tariffs on products like cars and steel, where supply chains span the continent.
Carney’s Vision for Integration
Carney did not specify which industries are ripe for deeper ties but emphasized that offers are on the table. “To be clear, those offers are on the table,” he said. “But if that route is not ultimately possible, we will invest heavily in new markets and products.” The prime minister has previously discussed potential cooperation in energy and critical minerals. Ontario’s premier, for example, proposed an “Am-Can Growth Plan” to boost mineral development and processing.
Carney has set a goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports within 10 years. Steve Verheul, Canada’s chief trade negotiator during Trump’s first term, said the U.S. wants to “keep China out, by and large.” However, Carney has agreed to a limited tariff pact with China allowing imports of some Chinese electric vehicles at low rates, a move that irritated Trump. Canada is also pursuing new deals with India, the Mercosur nations in South America, and other partners.
