Prime Minister Mark Carney engaged in discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday in anticipation of the upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The leaders covered various topics, aiming to address mutual economic priorities and challenges to enhance stability and prosperity for their citizens. Sheinbaum also met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer earlier in the week. While the U.S. and Mexico are preparing for official CUSMA talks starting late next month, Canada is yet to confirm its official initiation date.
The agreement stipulates that by July 1, the three nations must either approve a renewal of the existing pact or indicate their intention to withdraw, a process that can extend up to ten years. Both U.S. and Canadian officials anticipate the talks will extend beyond the July 1 deadline. Janice Charette, Canada’s chief trade negotiator, mentioned that discussions with Greer suggest the U.S. plans to work out details separately with Canada and Mexico in addition to the trilateral negotiations.
Carney and Sheinbaum also explored bilateral relationships beyond CUSMA during their conversation. A Mexican trade delegation is scheduled to embark on a three-city tour of Canada in early May, focusing on bilateral trade discussions with government officials. This visit follows a significant Canadian trade mission to Mexico earlier in the year, resulting in over 20 new commercial partnerships and agreements. The call between Carney and Sheinbaum occurred amidst the imposition of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum affecting both countries.
In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced immediate tariff relief for Canadian and Mexican aluminum and steel companies if they commit to transferring production to the U.S. in the future. These tariffs, along with other U.S. sectoral tariffs, were part of the discussions as officials from both countries addressed trade grievances publicly. The dialogue between Carney and Sheinbaum also acknowledged the support and cooperation extended by the Mexican president following the tragic incident where a Canadian tourist was shot and killed in Mexico earlier in the week.
The call emphasized the need for continued collaboration and open dialogue between the countries, especially in the context of ongoing trade negotiations and shared challenges.