Canada will meet with the United States and Mexico on July 1 to review the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced. The meeting comes as part of the scheduled review of the trade pact, which replaced NAFTA in 2020.
Review Mechanism Triggered
Under CUSMA, the three countries are required to conduct a joint review of the agreement every six years. The July 1 meeting will mark the first such review since the pact came into effect. LeBlanc emphasized Canada's commitment to strengthening economic ties with its North American partners. "We look forward to a productive discussion with our American and Mexican counterparts," LeBlanc said in a statement.
Trade Tensions and Opportunities
The review comes amid ongoing trade tensions, including U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and disputes over dairy market access. However, LeBlanc expressed optimism about the potential for progress. "There are areas where we can work together to improve the agreement for all parties," he noted. The meeting will also address new challenges such as digital trade and supply chain resilience.
Canada's trade with the U.S. and Mexico totaled over $1.5 trillion in 2025, making CUSMA a cornerstone of the Canadian economy. The review is expected to focus on modernizing rules for e-commerce, intellectual property, and labor standards.
Political Context
The meeting occurs as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from CUSMA, calling it "unfair" to American workers. Trump's recent comments have fueled uncertainty, but Canadian officials remain confident in the agreement's benefits. "CUSMA has been good for all three countries," LeBlanc said. "We will defend Canada's interests while seeking mutually beneficial outcomes."
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also signaled a willingness to renegotiate certain provisions, particularly regarding energy and automotive rules of origin. The July 1 meeting will include working sessions on these and other topics.
Next Steps
Following the review, the three countries will issue a joint statement outlining areas of agreement and further work. LeBlanc noted that Canada is prepared to make adjustments to the agreement if they are in the national interest. "We are open to improvements that enhance competitiveness and create jobs," he said.
The meeting will be held in Ottawa, with LeBlanc hosting his counterparts, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard.
