U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has outlined conditions that Canada must meet to extend the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement (CUSMA) during its upcoming review next year. Greer emphasized the need for changes to the agreement before President Donald Trump agrees to extend it for another 16 years or opt for yearly reviews, a situation that Canada wishes to avoid due to the resulting annual uncertainty.
Greer mentioned that while CUSMA has boosted American exports to Canada and Mexico by 56% since 2020, it is not a complete success. He indicated that certain modifications are required, and a simple approval of the agreement is not in the national interest. Greer stated that his office will keep the president’s options open, negotiating firmly to address the identified issues before recommending renewal.
The U.S. aims to target two significant Canadian policies, including the Online Streaming Act and the supply-managed dairy sector. Greer stressed the importance of enhancing market access for U.S. dairy products in Canada and addressing certain issues with Canada’s dairy exports that allegedly undercut American producers. While not advocating for the complete dismantling of supply management, Greer highlighted the need to address policies that restrict market access.
Additionally, Greer called for revisions to the Canadian streaming legislation, which he believes discriminates against U.S. tech and media firms. He also emphasized the need for Canada to address provincial bans on the distribution of U.S. alcohol beverages, which resulted from previous tariff disputes between the two countries.
Furthermore, Greer’s document highlighted various issues that must be addressed during the CUSMA review, including discriminatory procurement measures in certain provinces, complicated customs registration for Canadian companies receiving U.S. exports, and unfair treatment of electrical power distribution providers in Montana by Alberta. Greer also mentioned regulatory imbalances with Canadian fishers in the “grey zone” near New Brunswick and Maine, an area of dispute between Canada and the United States over lobster catches.
While Greer acknowledged the consensus among North American business and labor groups that the agreement should continue, he emphasized the need for improvements. He mentioned the possibility of separate bilateral deals with Canada and Mexico instead of a comprehensive trilateral pact, although certain continental-wide issues may still require collaborative resolution with all three partners.