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CUSMA Renewal Deadline Passes: What It Means for Your Wallet

  July 8, 2026 July 1 came and went without a full renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Instead of locking in another 16-year term, the United States chose not to extend the deal in its current form, which means the trade pact now shifts into an annual review process for the next decade. Here's what that actually means for your money. What just happened All three countries had until July 1 to say whether they wanted to renew CUSMA. Because Washington opted against a full renewal, the agreement now gets reviewed annually rather than being locked in for over a decade. Canada's Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed the three countries agreed to keep talking, with Canada specifically pushing to address sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber. Any of the three countries can still walk away entirely with six months' notice. The good news: most trade stays tariff-free For now, the status quo holds. The bulk of Canadian exports to the U.S....

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Former Soccer Star Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia, Sparking Concerns Over EU Aspiration

 

In a significant political shift, former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected as the President of Georgia. This development has raised concerns about the country's future relationship with the European Union. Kavelashvili, 53, secured the presidency with the backing of the ruling Georgian Dream party, which holds a strong influence over the 300-seat electoral college that replaced direct presidential elections in 2017.

The election outcome is seen by many as a setback for Georgia's EU aspirations. The opposition has accused the Georgian Dream party of rigging the vote with Moscow's assistance, further straining the country's political landscape. Critics argue that the ruling party's policies are increasingly authoritarian and pro-Russian, which could hinder Georgia's efforts to integrate with the European Union.

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western leader, has vowed to remain in office until a new election is held, citing the lack of legitimacy in the current parliamentary setup. The political turmoil has led to widespread protests and calls for new elections under conditions that ensure the will of the people is accurately represented.

Kavelashvili's presidency marks a pivotal moment for Georgia, as the nation navigates its path between European integration and maintaining relations with Russia. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of Georgia's political and international future.

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