Canada is calling on the United States and Mexico to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for another 16 years. Canada's minister for U.S. trade sent a letter to the U.S. trade representative arguing for the renewal, noting that the agreement is vital for Canada and Mexico as the U.S. is their main trading partner.
In a letter sent to the trade representatives of the U.S. and Mexico, Canada stated that the agreement is highly beneficial to each country and to the integrated North American economy. Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc noted that Canada has submitted new and detailed trade proposals to the U.S. based on negotiating progress made in recent weeks.
This significant push for a trade extension occurs while trade discussions between the two countries have been frozen since late last year. Furthermore, the request coincides with renewed discussions from U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.