Canada, Mexico Reaffirm Importance of Trilateral USMCA Trade Deal

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Canadian and Mexican officials have reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the trilateral free trade agreement between their countries and the United States, known as USMCA, amid signals from Washington that it could be interested in pursuing bilateral trade deals instead. The comments came as the U.S. announced new trade investigations into alleged forced labor and industrial overcapacity among 16 major trade partners, which could impact Mexico.

Why it matters

The USMCA trade deal, which replaced NAFTA, is a key economic agreement between the three North American countries. Canada and Mexico are signaling they want to preserve the trilateral nature of the deal, even as the U.S. explores potential bilateral agreements with trading partners.

The details

Canadian ambassador to Mexico Cameron MacKay and Mexican deputy trade secretary Luis Rosendo Gutierrez both stated that maintaining the trilateral USMCA agreement was a priority for their countries. This comes after the U.S. announced new trade investigations that could impact Mexico, though Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard downplayed the potential fallout, saying most Mexican trade falls under the USMCA pact.

• On March 12, 2026, Canadian and Mexican officials reaffirmed the importance of the trilateral USMCA trade deal.
• On March 11, 2026, the U.S. announced new trade investigations into alleged forced labor and industrial overcapacity among 16 major trade partners.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are expected to meet in the coming weeks to review the USMCA trade agreement, as required every six years under the deal.