Canada’s trade resilience faces uncertainty as CUSMA renegotiation looms

Author's Summary

Canada's economy has held strong under U.S. President Trump's trade pressures thanks to CUSMA, but the 2026 review risks changes that could hit exports hard, urging focus on practical reforms amid political tensions. (152 characters)

Trade Resilience Overview

Canada has managed well during U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war. Prime Minister Mark Carney highlights the strong Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), where over 85% of exports to the U.S. face no tariffs. Yet, the upcoming 2026 joint review brings potential shifts.

Expert Insights from Laura Dawson

Laura Dawson of the Future Borders Coalition stresses practical steps to cut business costs and regulatory burdens across the three nations. The group aims to preserve CUSMA as the core of vital North American trade ties. They push for broader digital economy rules, absent from the old 1994 NAFTA.

Continuity is very critical... If it loses that preferential access, it’s going to mean an economic hit for Canada.

Key Risks and Concerns

Canada's digital laws might spark disputes in the review. Politicization could derail economic goals, with continuity key to jobs and stability. Losing U.S. market access would hurt Canada more than the U.S., complicating global business for Canadian firms.

Domestic Priorities

Canada's process focuses inward on boosting competitiveness and agility for exports. This offers a chance to tackle homegrown issues rather than border fights.

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National Post on MSN National Post on MSN — 2025-11-27

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