Canada and US Hold Constructive Trade Deal Review Talks
Minister Dominic LeBlanc met U.S. officials to discuss the USMCA review. Both sides described the talks as constructive and agreed to continue negotiations.
Canada and the United States have held what officials described as "constructive" talks regarding the upcoming review of the North American trade pact, which also involves Mexico. Minister Dominic LeBlanc traveled to Washington to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, focusing on the Canada-United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and broader bilateral concerns. According to a statement from LeBlanc's office, the two representatives engaged in a substantive dialogue regarding the CUSMA Joint Review process. > "They had a constructive and substantive discussion pertaining to the Canada-United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Joint Review process, and on broader bilateral trade issues." The trade deal is set for review by July 1, amid comments from President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of pursuing separate bilateral agreements. While the U.S. has already initiated discussions with Mexico, negotiations with Canadian officials are viewed as more complex due to unresolved issues in the dairy and spirits sectors. LeBlanc also introduced Canada's new chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, and Ambassador Mark Wiseman during the visit. Both nations have pledged to continue their dialogue in the coming days. > "LeBlanc and Greer also agreed to continue to work together on these trade issues, and will speak again in the coming days to further their discussions."
