Minister Ng concludes successful trilateral meeting of Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Free Trade Commission

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

July 8, 2022 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Global Affairs Canada

The trilateral trade and investment relationship among Canada, the United States and Mexico is one of the most dynamic in the world, supporting economic growth, prosperity and good jobs in all three countries.

On July 7 and 8, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, hosted Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, and Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, for the second meeting of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Free Trade Commission (FTC).

Marking the second anniversary of CUSMA’s entry into force, Minister Ng, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier highlighted the ongoing implementation of CUSMA and its importance in advancing rules-based and inclusive trade in North America and supporting the region’s global competitiveness.

In her meeting with Ambassador Tai, Minister Ng welcomed the agreement reached with the United States on removing U.S. tariffs on solar products from Canada, an outcome that underscores the importance of rules-based trade and the dispute settlement process under CUSMA. Minister Ng raised key issues including the unjustified U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber, as well as areas for collaboration including strengthening supply chains, engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and advancing WTO reform.

During her meeting with Secretary Clouthier, the Minister reiterated Canada’s concern with the investment climate in Mexico, especially in the mining and energy sectors. Minister Ng also raised Canada’s concerns regarding Mexico’s approach to biotechnology. The Minister highlighted the strong relationship between Canada and Mexico and progress being made in the implementation of CUSMA, and discussed the creation of a Canada-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue which will provide a new forum to increase collaboration and strengthen competitiveness.

On July 7, Minister Ng, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier took part in a panel discussion on women in trade and efforts by all three countries to advance inclusivity and support for women entrepreneurs seeking to export and reach new international markets.

Minister Ng thanked Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier for their continued collaboration in supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for under-represented groups in the 3 countries. The FTC meeting concluded with the adoption of a trilateral statement outlining the overall results of the committees’ work and providing directions on maintaining momentum in implementation.

Quotes

"Canada, the United States and Mexico form one of the world’s largest and most competitive economic regions. As the world faces new challenges, it is more important now than ever that we continue to strengthen our ties. Through CUSMA, we will continue to provide businesses, investors and workers with a stable, predictable and secure trade and investment environment that supports the region’s recovery from the pandemic and our long-term prosperity."

- Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

Quick facts

  • CUSMA entered into force on July 1, 2020.

  • North America has a combined GDP of nearly US$25.1 trillion, and a population of 495 million people.

  • The total value of merchandise trade between Canada, the United States and Mexico reached nearly $1.5 trillion in 2021.

  • The total value of trade in goods and services between Canada and the United States exceeded $1 trillion in 2021.

  • The total value of merchandise exports from Canada to the United States reached $476.6 billion in 2021.

  • The total value of trade in goods and services between Canada and Mexico reached $31.8 billion in 2021.

  • The total value of merchandise exports from Canada to Mexico reached $8.2 billion in 2021.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Shanti Cosentino
Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
519-803-5466
Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international trade - Global Affairs Canada

Page details

Date modified: