Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Canada's Ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman to Step Down Amidst Trade Talks

Canada's Ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman to Step Down Amidst Trade Talks

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, has announced her resignation, which comes at a critical time as trade negotiations between the US and Canada remain unresolved. Hillman, who has served as ambassador since March 2020, played a significant role in renegotiating the free trade agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico in 2017. Her departure is set against the backdrop of a mandatory review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with President Trump suggesting the possibility of letting the agreement expire. Hillman has been praised by both US and Canadian officials for her diplomatic efforts, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and securing the release of two Canadians detained in China. Despite her resignation, Hillman has expressed her willingness to support Canada's negotiating team in the upcoming months.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Resigns Ahead of Free Trade Agreement Review

Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Resigns Ahead of Free Trade Agreement Review

Canada's ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, announced her resignation, effective next year, as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is set for review in 2026. Hillman, who has served as ambassador since 2019, was the first woman to hold this position. She played a significant role in trade negotiations during President Trump's first term and worked on diplomatic efforts, including the release of two Canadians detained in China. Her resignation comes as Canada prepares for the upcoming review of the USMCA, a critical trade agreement that exempts most Canadian exports to the U.S. from tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Hillman for laying the groundwork for the review, while U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra commended her contributions to the bilateral relationship.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Resigns Amid Upcoming Trade Agreement Review

Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Resigns Amid Upcoming Trade Agreement Review

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, has announced her resignation ahead of the scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026. Hillman, who has served as ambassador for six years, played a significant role in the negotiations of the USMCA during President Trump's first term. Her departure comes at a time when trade talks between the U.S. and Canada have stalled, partly due to tensions over tariffs and political disagreements. Hillman was appointed as deputy ambassador in 2017 and became the first woman to represent Canada as ambassador to the U.S. in 2019. Her tenure included efforts to secure the release of two Canadians detained in China.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Resigns Ahead of Trade Agreement Review

Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Resigns Ahead of Trade Agreement Review

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., has announced her resignation as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is set for review in 2026. Hillman, who has served since 2017, played a key role in trade negotiations during President Trump's first term and facilitated the release of two Canadians detained in China. Her departure comes as Canada prepares for upcoming trade discussions, with Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizing the need to strengthen non-U.S. trade. Hillman's resignation marks a significant transition in Canada's diplomatic efforts to maintain and enhance its trade relationship with the U.S.
Reuters Reuters
FULL TEXT-Bank of Canada governor says economy proving resilient

FULL TEXT-Bank of Canada governor says economy proving resilient

OTTAWA, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada released the following statement by Governor Tiff Macklem on Wednesday: "Good morning. I'm pleased to be here with Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers to discuss today’s monetary policy decision.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Canadian Aquaculture Groups Advocate for CUSMA Renewal to Secure Trade Stability

Canadian Aquaculture Groups Advocate for CUSMA Renewal to Secure Trade Stability

Over 80 Canadian agriculture and agri-food organizations, including major aquaculture bodies, have signed an open letter urging the Canadian government to support a full 16-year renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The signatories emphasize the agreement's role in creating an integrated North American agricultural market, with trilateral trade valued at approximately CAD 400 billion in 2023. They argue that the agreement's provisions, such as those on sanitary measures and dispute settlement, are crucial for maintaining stable and predictable market access. The organizations warn that any weakening of these provisions could harm food security, rural economies, and North American competitiveness.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
National Electric Manufacturers Association Urges Stronger USMCA Enforcement

National Electric Manufacturers Association Urges Stronger USMCA Enforcement

The National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has called for stronger enforcement and predictability in the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). During a public hearing by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, NEMA emphasized the need for a swift review and renewal of the agreement, highlighting the importance of enforcement in Mexico to eliminate technical barriers to trade. NEMA represents 300 companies in the U.S. electrical manufacturing sector, which is a significant exporter to Canada and Mexico. The association stressed the importance of maintaining a stable trade framework to support long-term investments in U.S. manufacturing.
Reuters Reuters
Mexico's lower house approves tariff hikes on Chinese, other Asian imports

Mexico's lower house approves tariff hikes on Chinese, other Asian imports

By Diego Oré MEXICO CITY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Mexico's lower house early Wednesday approved tariffs of up to 50% next year on imports from China and several other Asian countries, aiming to boost domestic production and address trade imbalances. 
AP News AP News
Canada's top envoy to the US will resign before review of free trade agreement

Canada's top envoy to the US will resign before review of free trade agreement

Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. for the last six years says she’s resigning next year as the two major trading partners review the free trade agreement
Trendline Trendline
USMCA Review Offers Major Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture, Says Corn Refiners Association

USMCA Review Offers Major Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture, Says Corn Refiners Association

USMCA Review Offers Major Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture, Says Corn Refiners Association
Rapid Read Rapid Read
USMCA Review Offers Key Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture Exports

USMCA Review Offers Key Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture Exports

The upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is being viewed as a significant opportunity for the U.S. agricultural sector. John Bode, president of the Corn Refiners Association, emphasized the importance of the agreement, which modernized the previous NAFTA framework, in boosting U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico and Canada. The USMCA is the only free trade agreement signed by the U.S. since 2007 and covers trade with the top two export markets for American agriculture. The review process, scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026, will assess the agreement's impact and explore potential enhancements to further benefit U.S. farmers.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Obama Initiates Transatlantic Trade Talks with EU, Potential NAFTA Involvement

President Obama Initiates Transatlantic Trade Talks with EU, Potential NAFTA Involvement

President Obama has announced the commencement of discussions with the European Union aimed at establishing a transatlantic trade, investment, and regulatory pact. This initiative seeks to enhance economic ties between the U.S. and EU by reducing trade barriers and aligning regulatory standards. The Mexican government has shown interest in joining these talks, with speculation that Canada might also participate. However, there are concerns that such a pact could be detrimental to the NAFTA countries, as some Canadians are reportedly realizing the potential downsides too late.