LeBlanc, Greer meet as CUSMA countries gear up for talks

Dominic LeBlanc said last week that he was “not pessimistic” about CUSMA renewal and expects targeted changes rather than a full renegotiation. Photo by Yuri CORTEZ/AFP via Getty ImagesArticle contentUnited States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Canada-U.S.

Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met Friday in Washington in the first high-level, in-person talks in months between the two men.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentLeBlanc did not comment as he emerged from the discussions, other than to wish a television crew a good weekend.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentThe meeting comes as preparations ramp up for this year’s review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard this week also announced the first round of early talks to get ready for that.Article contentArticle contentPresident Donald Trump has privately raised withdrawing from the deal, Bloomberg News has reported, while Greer has said parts of it “function fine” but the U.S. wants greater market access in some areas.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article content“We will have separate protocols with Canada and Mexico that we tack on to CUSMA,” Greer said last week on Bloomberg Television.Article contentTrump negotiated CUSMA in his first term to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, which had governed trade between the three countries since 1994.Article contentArticle contentFor now, the agreement shields Canada and Mexico from the harshest effects of Trump’s global tariffs. Most goods traded under CUSMA are exempt, though sectoral levies on autos, steel, aluminum and lumber continue to raise the cost of U.S. imports of those products from its North American neighbours.Article contentThe existing pact, which runs to 2036, leaves room for a range of negotiating formats and includes a clause allowing any country to exit with six months’ notice. The three nations could also decide to extend it, but if they don’t, they must hold annual reviews, with the first scheduled for July 1.Article contentArticle contentLeBlanc said last week that he was “not pessimistic” about CUSMA renewal and expects targeted changes rather than a full renegotiation. He also hasn’t ruled out a separate deal between Canada and the U.S. to ease sectoral tariffs. Trump called off talks on such an agreement in October, angered by a television ad against tariffs sponsored by the province of Ontario.Article contentRead More Matthew Holmes: Canada–Mexico plus U.S. businesses make for a winning formula Opinion: U.S. Supreme Court ruling makes CUSMA review even more critical Article contentRob Wildeboer, executive chairman of auto parts maker Martinrea International Inc., which operates in all three CUSMA countries, told investors that his company is “heavily involved” in discussions around trade and manufacturing. He believes the industry will push the White House for lower tariffs.Article content“I do believe there is huge consensus in our industry, OEMs and suppliers alike, for a tariff-free North American auto industry — autos and parts makers,” said Wildeboer, whose company is headquartered in the Toronto region but derives most of its revenue from products it ships to assembly plants outside of Canada.Article content“I also foresee no tariffs on Canadian-made autos eventually. That’s what we are negotiating for.”Article contentBloomberg.comArticle contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentTrending Bank of Canada governor warns of growing risks to financial stability Economy U.S. aluminum buyers hunt for alternatives as Iran war upends global supply Commodities South Bow confirms open season for new pipeline to the U.S. using legacy Keystone XL permits Oil & Gas Beer, wine sales fall even more, putting tax revenues on the rocks, but one boozy drink is on the rise Retail & Marketing Posthaste: Canadians are paying more than lip service to Buy Canada — and now the numbers prove it News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Bank of Canada governor warns of growing risks to financial stability Economy U.S. aluminum buyers hunt for alternatives as Iran war upends global supply Commodities South Bow confirms open season for new pipeline to the U.S. using legacy Keystone XL permits Oil & Gas Beer, wine sales fall even more, putting tax revenues on the rocks, but one boozy drink is on the rise Retail & Marketing Posthaste: Canadians are paying more than lip service to Buy Canada — and now the numbers prove it News