Canada’s ambassador to Mexico, Cameron MacKay, has described U.S. President Donald Trump’s expectation of manufacturing vehicles without North American parts as “unrealistic,” underscoring the deep interdependence of the region’s auto industry.
Appearing before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Ambassador MacKay said it is “simply not possible for the United States to make cars all by itself, in the near term,” emphasizing that the supply chains linking Canada, the U.S., and Mexico remain vital to vehicle production on the continent.
The remarks come as the Trump administration reiterates its desire to reduce reliance on foreign-made auto components. President Trump reportedly told Prime Minister Mark Carney that “Americans don’t want to buy cars that are made in Canada,” a statement that has sparked renewed concern across the Canadian auto sector.
While the U.S. has introduced new tariffs on select vehicles and auto parts, MacKay noted that many essential components can still only be sourced from Canadian and Mexican manufacturers. He suggested that both Canada and Mexico share common ground in their approach to the upcoming review of the North American trade agreement, particularly on maintaining integrated production systems.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed confidence in Prime Minister Carney’s leadership during these negotiations, acknowledging the challenges of working with the U.S. administration.
“These are delicate discussions, but I have full confidence in the Prime Minister to protect Ontario’s auto sector and our workers,” Ford said.
As trade discussions loom, Canada’s government continues to advocate for a united North American automotive strategy that safeguards jobs, innovation, and competitiveness across all three countries.