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CUSMA Not Renewed: What the Trade Deal Impasse Means for Your Wallet

  July 2, 2026 | Trade & Economy The mandatory six-year review of Canada's most important trade agreement came and went this week — and it did not go the way Ottawa hoped. On July 1, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the United States will not renew the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in its current form, sending the deal into a more uncertain, year-by-year footing right as Canadians are already navigating tariffs, a soft labour market, and a technical recession. Here is what actually happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for your budget in the months ahead. The short version CUSMA isn't dead. It remains legally in force until 2036. But instead of locking in a fresh 16-year term, the deal now shifts into annual reviews, with existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos and softwood lumber unresolved for now. What happened on July 1 CUSMA was built with a mandatory joint review every six years. If Canada, the U.S. and Mexico had a...

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Trump Reaffirms Tariff Threats Against Canada at Davos

In a virtual address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance on imposing tariffs against Canada. Trump emphasized that the United States does not need Canadian imports of oil, gas, vehicles, or lumber, and criticized Canada's trade policies as unfair.

Trump's comments come just days after his inauguration for a second term, marking his first international speech since returning to the White House. He characterized the trade relationship between the two nations as adversarial and blamed Canada's import policies for the U.S.'s trade deficit.

During his speech, Trump highlighted his administration's protectionist plans, including tariffs, deregulation, and tax cuts, aimed at reducing inflation and boosting the U.S. economy. He also mentioned that the U.S. would demand respect from other nations and would not tolerate trade deficits.

Canadian political leaders have expressed concern over Trump's remarks, with some advocating for diplomacy and others preparing for potential retaliation. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who recently met with Trump, emphasized the importance of cross-border trade within the oil and gas sectors.

Trump's speech has triggered widespread criticism and debate among political leaders and economists, who warn that tariffs on Canadian energy exports could drive up gasoline prices for Americans and threaten Trump's plans for "energy dominance".


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