On July 1, 2026, Canada, the United States, and Mexico completed the first Joint Review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). While Canada and Mexico supported extending the agreement for another 16-year term, the United States declined to renew the agreement in its current form and instead indicated its intention to continue discussions regarding potential changes and country-specific concerns.
Importantly, CUSMA remains fully in force. The agreement does not expire in 2026 and continues to provide the current preferential tariff framework for qualifying goods. The U.S. decision triggers an annual review process rather than any immediate changes to market access, rules of origin, or customs procedures.
Looking ahead, discussions are expected to focus on a range of bilateral and trilateral trade issues, including U.S. concerns related to trade deficits, automotive content requirements, and market access, as well as Canadian priorities such as addressing tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber.
At this stage, importers and exporters should be aware that while the agreement remains operational, negotiations may contribute to ongoing trade policy uncertainty. However, there are currently no announced changes affecting CUSMA qualification or benefits, and qualifying goods continue to be eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the agreement.
For more information, please refer to the Government of Canada's official announcement: Statement by Minister LeBlanc following trilateral CUSMA joint review meeting
We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as negotiations progress.