Canada, Mexico push 16-year USMCA renewal

Canada formally notified the United States and Mexico on June 2, 2026 that it is seeking renewal of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) for a 16-year term. The request was delivered in a letter that also called for talks on sectoral tariffs to run in parallel with the agreement’s joint review.

Ottawa’s submission framed a longer renewal as a way to provide predictability within the existing North American trade framework. The Canadian government tied its position to the need to address specific trade measures that it says affect key industrial sectors.

In its letter, Canada said sectoral tariffs should be handled alongside the USMCA review. It highlighted U.S. measures on steel, aluminium and autos as areas to be considered in parallel discussions with Washington and Mexico City.

By linking the renewal process with tariff talks, Canada signalled that changes to sector-specific duties are a priority as the three countries move toward a statutory decision on the trade pact’s future structure and duration.

On June 2, 2026, Mexico reiterated its support for extending the USMCA for 16 years. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard publicly backed the 16-year term, saying the extension would provide certainty to investors.

Mexico’s statement aligned its position with Canada’s call for a long renewal horizon, underscoring coordinated public messaging from Ottawa and Mexico City as formal trilateral negotiations proceed.

Canada’s minister responsible for Canada–U.S. trade, Dominic LeBlanc, travelled to Washington and was scheduled to meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on June 2, 2026. The meeting formed part of efforts to press talks ahead of a key statutory decision point under the agreement.

Under the text of the USMCA, the three countries must state by July 1, 2026 whether they want to renew or renegotiate the pact. This requirement places time pressure on ongoing discussions between Canada, the United States and Mexico.

If the three countries do not agree to extend the USMCA, the agreement would revert to annual reviews after the current term. Even under that scenario, the pact would remain in force until 2036 unless one of the parties decides to withdraw.

The current developments reflect an effort by Canada and Mexico to secure a defined 16-year extension and to shape the agenda for associated talks, particularly on U.S. sectoral tariffs, before the July 1, 2026 deadline.