Canada has called on the United States and Mexico to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for an additional 16 years, aiming to secure long-term stability for North American trade. This appeal comes as the trilateral pact faces its first major review since implementation, scheduled for July 1.
The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in the early 2020s, currently includes a clause allowing it to continue for 16 years or to undergo annual reviews if no extension is agreed upon. Canada’s trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, formally communicated his government’s recommendation to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexico’s Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, emphasizing that a 16-year renewal would benefit the integrated North American economy.
Mexico has also expressed support for the same 16-year extension, signaling alignment between two of the pact’s signatories on the matter. LeBlanc and Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, met with Greer in Washington to discuss the renewal and submitted proposals addressing U.S. concerns raised during prior talks, reflecting ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues. The renewal proposal arrives amid heightened political tensions, including provocative comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. These remarks were met with firm rejection from Canadian officials, reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty and commitment to maintaining its role as an independent trading partner.
If the parties fail to reach consensus on extending the agreement for 16 years, the pact will remain active under its current terms, including annual reviews and a U.S. right to withdraw with six months’ notice. LeBlanc acknowledged this scenario but stressed Canada’s preference for a long-term commitment to reduce uncertainty for businesses and workers across North America.