Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday during the FIFA World Cup Draw event in Washington, just as high-stakes hearings unfold on the future of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. Trump has recently suggested he is open to letting CUSMA expire next year, and his administration is signalling that all options remain on the table, including a full withdrawal or separate bilateral deals with Canada and Mexico.
The comments came as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Politico that Trump could either abandon the agreement outright or move toward a pair of new trade deals. Greer said the current review period was intentionally designed to allow the United States to revise or exit CUSMA if needed. His remarks have heightened concerns among Canadian and Mexican officials attending this week’s hearings in Washington, where American industry leaders are largely advocating for the deal to be renewed.
Several U.S. business groups testified Thursday, warning that dismantling CUSMA would destabilize supply chains, undermine investment, and disrupt continental trade. Representatives from the steel, automotive, agriculture, and consumer goods sectors argued that the agreement has been vital for competitiveness against global markets, particularly China. Many urged the Trump administration to focus on strengthening the existing pact rather than abandoning it.
Former Canadian and Mexican trade negotiators also believe Trump’s statements are part of a familiar negotiation strategy. Steve Verheul, who represented Canada in earlier NAFTA talks, said the threats likely amount to pre-negotiation posturing. Both Verheul and Mexico’s Kenneth Smith Ramos stressed that extending CUSMA for another 16 years is essential for long-term stability in North America.
Canadian business leaders echoed that message. Goldy Hyder of the Business Council of Canada told the hearings that maintaining the agreement is crucial not only for Canada but also for U.S. prosperity and economic security. Laura Dawson of the Future Borders Coalition warned against renewed trade friction, urging officials to preserve what works and modernize what needs improvement.
Although Carney and Trump will be in the same room for the FIFA event, Canadian officials say expectations for meaningful trade discussions are low. Still, with tensions rising over Trump’s comments and with all three leaders present in Washington on the eve of formal negotiations, many observers believe even brief conversations could influence the tone of the months ahead.
