Minister Ng speaks with United States Trade Representative Tai at CUSMA Free Trade Commission ministerial meeting

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

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, met with Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, at the ministerial meeting of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Free Trade Commission.

Marking the second anniversary of CUSMA’s entry into force, Minister Ng and Ambassador Tai underlined the importance of the close relationship between Canada and the United States, which is built on deep people, business and trade ties and the importance of working together to strengthen the competitiveness of North America

Minister Ng welcomed the agreement reached with the United States on removing U.S. tariffs on solar products from Canada. This agreement will strengthen Canada’s renewable energy sector and reflects the importance of rules-based trade and the dispute-settlement process under CUSMA. Minister Ng also reiterated the importance of the dispute-settlement processes regarding unjustified U.S. duties on softwood lumber, as well as Canada’s willingness to discuss a mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute.

Minister Ng engaged with Ambassador Tai on areas of collaboration between Canada and the United States on key issues, including Mexico’s investment climate, eliminating forced labour in supply chains, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Minister Ng and Ambassador Tai also discussed the importance of cooperation and increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

Following-up from the successful conclusion of MC12, Minister Ng and Ambassador Tai also discussed how to maintain momentum on advancing WTO reform.

Minister Ng and Ambassador Tai agreed to continue working closely to support the ongoing implementation of CUSMA to ensure that North American trade is as resilient, productive, and inclusive as possible.

Related links

• Statement by Minister Ng on agreement to remove U.S. solar safeguard tariffs on Canadian solar products
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on Trade in Solar Products
• Minister Mary Ng hosts successful visit by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai
• Minister Ng speaks with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai
• Minister Ng speaks with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai at Free Trade Commission meeting

Associated links

• Canada-United States relations
• The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
• Doing business in North America
• Canada concludes successful Free Trade Commission meeting with the United States and Mexico