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U.S. Seeks to Maintain USMCA Agreement with Canada and Mexico, Says Minister LeBlanc

U.S. Seeks to Maintain USMCA Agreement with Canada and Mexico, Says Minister LeBlanc

Minister LeBlanc has stated that the United States is keen on maintaining the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with its North American partners, Canada and Mexico. This comes amid concerns from businesspeople and workers in various sectors who feel that there has been little visible progress or advancement in trade relations. The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020, is a critical trade agreement that governs over $1.3 trillion in trade between the three countries. LeBlanc's comments highlight the ongoing importance of the agreement in facilitating trade and economic cooperation across North America.
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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.
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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.
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National Electric Manufacturers Association Urges Stronger USMCA Enforcement Amid Upcoming Review

National Electric Manufacturers Association Urges Stronger USMCA Enforcement Amid Upcoming Review

National Electric Manufacturers Association Urges Stronger USMCA Enforcement Amid Upcoming Review
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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.
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Canadian Grain Groups Advocate for CUSMA Renewal with Flexibility for Future Reforms

Canadian Grain Groups Advocate for CUSMA Renewal with Flexibility for Future Reforms

The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), known as USMCA in the United States, is up for renewal. This trade pact, which replaced NAFTA in 2020, is crucial for North American agri-food trade, which has surged to nearly CDN$400 billion annually. Recently, 98 Canadian agriculture and agri-food organizations signed a letter urging the Canadian government to renew CUSMA for its full 16-year term without changes. These organizations, including those representing beef, pork, and dairy, emphasize the importance of maintaining science-based rules and regulatory clarity. However, grain, oilseed, and pulse organizations did not sign the letter. They support CUSMA's core principles but are concerned that the 'no changes' stance could lock in protections for supply-managed sectors like dairy and poultry, potentially hindering future reforms. These groups advocate for flexibility to improve market access and adapt to emerging trade barriers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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President Trump's $12 Billion Farm Aid Package Aims to Stabilize Agriculture Amid Trade Tensions

President Trump's $12 Billion Farm Aid Package Aims to Stabilize Agriculture Amid Trade Tensions

President Trump has announced a $12 billion farm aid package designed to support U.S. farmers affected by global trade disputes. This initiative comes as part of efforts to stabilize the agriculture sector, which has been impacted by tariffs and strained trade relationships, particularly with China. The package includes direct payments and subsidies to help farmers manage the financial volatility caused by these trade tensions. Additionally, the Trump administration has proposed a 5% tariff on Mexican imports, which could further complicate U.S.-Mexico trade relations and affect a significant portion of U.S. agricultural exports. The aid package is intended to provide immediate relief to farmers, though its long-term effects remain uncertain.