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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's Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican Imports Set for March 4

In a significant move that could reshape North American trade dynamics, President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will go into effect on March 4. This decision comes after months of negotiations and escalating trade tensions between the United States and its neighbors.

The tariffs, which include a 25% duty on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, are part of a broader strategy to protect American industries and reduce the trade deficit. The Trump administration argues that these measures are necessary to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector, which has been adversely affected by cheaper foreign materials.

Canada and Mexico have been working to avoid these tariffs by enhancing border security and curbing fentanyl trafficking. Despite these efforts, the Trump administration has decided to proceed with the tariffs, citing the need for more substantial progress.

The implementation of these tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for the North American economy. Industries that rely on cross-border supply chains, such as automotive and energy sectors, may face increased costs and disruptions. Critics argue that the tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers and potential retaliatory measures from Canada and Mexico.

As the March 4 deadline approaches, businesses and policymakers on both sides of the border are bracing for the impact of these tariffs. The move underscores the Trump administration's commitment to using tariffs as a tool for economic policy and trade negotiations.


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