On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney will convene with U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Washington, D.C. The meeting coincides with the FIFA World Cup draw, an event that will establish matchups for next year’s tournament, taking place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This marks the first official gathering of the three North American leaders in 2023.
Details of the Meeting
It remains unclear whether the leaders will meet collectively or individually during the FIFA event. This assembly will be significant, as it will be Carney’s first formal discussion with Trump since trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada were suspended in October due to Ontario’s anti-tariff advertising campaign.
Background on CUSMA
President Trump recently indicated that he may allow the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) to expire next year or negotiate a new arrangement. The trade agreement is approaching a pivotal review period, where public consultations are currently ongoing in all three nations.
- The CUSMA agreement is due for review in 2024.
- Under Article 34.7 of CUSMA, a joint decision from all three countries is required to extend the agreement for an additional 16 years.
- If consensus is not reached, annual reviews will be necessary until an agreement is established.
During a press briefing, Trump stated, “It expires in about a year, and we’ll either let it expire, or we’ll maybe work out another deal with Mexico and Canada.” This commentary adds a layer of urgency to the upcoming discussions as trade relations evolve.
Previous Engagements
Carney last met with Sheinbaum in September in Mexico City, where both leaders focused on enhancing diplomatic ties, particularly in energy security. The Canadian Trade Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, also visited Mexico recently to foster connections that could benefit Canadian businesses in the region.
Despite the looming trade challenges, Carney has suggested that there are no immediate issues pressing for discussion with Trump. His previous comments, viewed as dismissive, led to criticism and an acknowledgment of a “poor choice of words” regarding critical trade matters.
This meeting in D.C. will serve not only as a backdrop for discussions surrounding CUSMA’s future but also as an opportunity for the three leaders to reinforce North American cooperation amidst ongoing trade dialogues.
