Key facts
- President Donald Trump stated he does not care about updating the North American trade agreement (USMCA).
- Canada plans to send senior trade officials to Washington for talks amid new tariffs.
- Trump previously imposed tariffs on Mexican- and Canadian-built cars, trucks, steel, and aluminum.
- USTR Jamieson Greer stated new tariffs on 60 countries will not have a significant economic impact.
- The U.S. Trade Representative's office is investigating excess industrial capacity in 16 trading partners.
- Two major industrial unions urged reconsideration of tariffs on Canadian goods.
President Donald Trump stated he does not care about updating the North American trade agreement (USMCA), indicating it is more important to the U.S.' North American neighbors. This comes as Canada plans to send senior trade officials to Washington for talks amid new tariffs and heightened trade tensions. Trump previously opted against extending the USMCA during a review meeting, which could lead to its decade-long wind-down unless revisions are agreed upon. The U.S. has already imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican- and Canadian-built cars and trucks, and a 50% tariff on their steel and aluminum products on national security grounds.
Separately, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that new tariffs on 60 countries, aimed at addressing alleged lax enforcement of forced labor bans, are unlikely to have a significant economic impact. Greer indicated the U.S. intends to keep tariffs in place as it prepares to replace duties invalidated by the Supreme Court. The U.S. Trade Representative's office is also investigating excess industrial capacity in 16 key trading partners, which could lead to further tariffs. Two major industrial unions have urged Greer to reconsider tariffs on Canadian goods and foster a more cooperative trade relationship.