US Commerce Secretary Criticizes USMCA, Mocks Canada's Trade Approach

Lutnick calls the trade deal a 'bad deal' and suggests Canada 'has a problem with us' ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:36pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, gray, and red, conveying the tension and complexity of trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.The U.S. Commerce Secretary's criticism of the USMCA trade deal and Canada's negotiating tactics signals a potential clash ahead of crucial renegotiation talks.Washington Today

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized the current version of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as a 'bad deal' and took aim at Canada's trade strategy ahead of upcoming negotiations, calling Canada's approach 'they suck' during remarks at a Semafor-hosted World Economy event in Washington on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Why it matters

The USMCA, which governs trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set for renegotiation with a deadline in July 2026. Lutnick's remarks signal potential challenges in the upcoming talks, reflecting frustration within the U.S. Administration over perceived imbalances in the current agreement.

The details

Lutnick stated that while the trade pact contains positive elements, it also includes significant flaws that require reconsideration for the benefit of American interests. He emphasized that U.S. President Donald Trump views the agreement, negotiated during his first term, as unfavorable and might allow it to lapse before the renegotiation deadline.

  • The USMCA is set for renegotiation with a deadline in July 2026.
  • Lutnick made his remarks at a Semafor-hosted World Economy event in Washington on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The U.S. Commerce Secretary who criticized the USMCA trade deal and Canada's trade strategy.

Steve Verheul

The former Canadian chief trade negotiator who suggested that time is on Canada's side in the upcoming USMCA talks.

Mark Carney

The Canadian Prime Minister who recently visited China, which Lutnick mocked as part of his broader critique of Canada's trade posture.

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What they’re saying

“The current agreement needs to be reimagined and readdressed.”

— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary

“Carney 'has a problem with us'”

— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary

What’s next

The upcoming USMCA renegotiation talks in July 2026 will be a key focus as the U.S. and Canada seek to address their differences over the trade agreement.

The takeaway

The U.S. Commerce Secretary's critical comments about the USMCA and Canada's trade strategy suggest that the upcoming renegotiation process could be contentious, with the Biden administration seeking to reshape the agreement to better serve American interests.