Prime Minister Mark Carney says it is clear that the United States will continue to target certain Canadian sectors with tariffs even after the upcoming renegotiation of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Speaking to reporters following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House earlier this week, Carney acknowledged that while CUSMA talks are set to begin next year, they are unlikely to resolve all outstanding trade issues between the two countries.
Carney noted that Canada is pursuing sector-specific agreements on steel, aluminum, autos, and softwood lumber to address tariff concerns in the meantime. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc returned from Washington today after a series of discussions with U.S. officials aimed at securing tariff relief for Canadian industries.
During Tuesday’s joint press conference at the White House, President Trump reiterated his intention to maintain tariffs on Canadian goods, stating that he does not care whether CUSMA is renegotiated or replaced with different agreements.
While the vast majority of Canadian trade with the U.S. remains exempt from tariffs under the existing trade deal, key sectors including steel, aluminum, autos, energy, and lumber continue to face targeted U.S. measures.