Prime Minister Mark Carney has recently dismissed the notion that President Donald Trump is considering a withdrawal from the trilateral USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) free-trade agreement with the aim of negotiating separate agreements with Canada and Mexico. Carney’s comments were made in response to recent statements by Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative.

Carney rejects idea Trump wants to exit USMCA

During a media interaction, Carney was asked if he would be open to considering a one-on-one trade deal with the United States. He was quick to dismiss the idea that President Trump is contemplating such a move, stating, “That’s not what they’re saying.” This statement came in light of Greer and President Trump’s repeated expressions of ambivalence about sticking with the USMCA or opting for individual agreements with Canada and Mexico.

USMCA: A Protective Shield for Canada

The USMCA has served as a crucial protective shield for Canada amidst the trade war with the United States. President Trump imposed a blanket tariff of 35% on Canadian products that are not compliant with the USMCA’s rules of origin. However, the agreement has ensured that most Canadian goods continue to enter the U.S. market tariff-free. Business leaders have called upon Trump in hearings on the future of the USMCA to drop these tariffs.

USMCA: To Stay or Not to Stay?

Greer, during a discussion at the Atlantic Council, a think tank, revisited the idea of exiting the USMCA. He stated, “Could it be exited? Yeah, it could be exited. Could it be revised? Yes. Could it be renegotiated? Yes,” adding that, “All of those things are on the table.” He also reiterated his earlier statement made to the New York Economic Club, where he predicted that the renegotiation of the USMCA would primarily be conducted separately with each country.

The Role of Canada’s Ambassador to the United States

Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, attempted to highlight the importance of Canadian trade to U.S. interests in her testimony before the House ways and means committee in Washington. She provided committee members with data showcasing the level of Canadian investment in their electoral districts, the jobs it supports, and the value of exports their constituents sell to Canada.

The Future of USMCA

Canada, the United States, and Mexico are all preparing for a scheduled review of the USMCA in 2026. The United States is expected to seek renegotiations of certain sections of the pact. Preliminary discussions about the forthcoming review have begun among all three countries and are set to continue in January.

Concerns About a Possible USMCA Withdrawal

Brian Clow, former deputy chief of staff to ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau, has expressed growing concerns that President Trump may issue a withdrawal notice to pressure Canada and Mexico. A withdrawal notice from any country that is a signatory to the USMCA would trigger a six-month countdown to that member exiting the agreement.

In conclusion, while there are ongoing discussions and concerns about the future of the USMCA, Prime Minister Mark Carney remains firm in his belief that the United States is not planning to exit the agreement, as it continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining trade relations among the three countries.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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