Canada asks US and Mexico to extend free trade deal until 2052

Canada has formally requested a 16-year renewal of the North American free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico ahead of a key July deadline for renegotiations.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the USMCA, known in Canada as CUSMA, as “highly beneficial” for all three countries.

LeBlanc said Canada was open to reforms that could improve the agreement and strengthen long-term regional prosperity.

“Willing to consider any proposal that can be beneficial to all three nations' long-term prosperity,” he wrote in the notice.

The request comes as LeBlanc travels to Washington for talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Discussions between the US and Mexico have moved faster than negotiations involving Canada.

Trade tensions remain a major obstacle as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for the removal or reduction of US tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminium, cars and lumber.

“In parallel, discussions with the United States on addressing sectoral tariffs will be essential,” LeBlanc added.

The US has also raised concerns over Canada’s dairy protections and restrictions affecting American alcohol sales in some provinces.

President Donald Trump recently revived his 51st state remarks about Canada while criticising the country’s economic performance.

If all three countries fail to agree on an extension by 1 July, the trade pact would require annual renewals until 2036.