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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 Implements 25% Tariff on Steel and Aluminum Imports

 

In a significant move, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, effective immediately. This decision follows a day of intense trade negotiations and threats to raise the tariff to 50%. The tariff aims to protect American industries but has sparked concerns about potential economic repercussions and strained relations with key trading partners, including Canada.

The announcement came after Ontario Premier Doug Ford agreed to suspend a proposed tax on electricity exports to the U.S., which had escalated tensions. Both sides are set to engage in further discussions to address trade disputes and explore revisions to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The tariffs are expected to impact global trade dynamics, with Canada and other affected nations preparing to respond. Critics argue that such measures could lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses, while supporters believe they will bolster domestic manufacturing.

This development underscores the complexities of international trade and the challenges of balancing national interests with global economic stability.

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