OTTAWA Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc, responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, expressed confidence that the Trump administration is not planning to withdraw from the free trade agreement encompassing Canada, Mexico, and the United States, despite ongoing speculation. In a recent year-end interview with The Canadian Press, LeBlanc emphasized that discussions with American counterparts suggest that the intent is to review rather than dismantle the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in the upcoming year.
LeBlanc's comments came on the heels of his discussions and travels throughout 2025 aimed at defusing the trade tensions instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump. He noted that Mexican officials share a similar optimistic perspective, anticipating a thorough review process rather than a complete withdrawal from CUSMA, which is set for renewal in 2026.
Reflecting on the past year, LeBlanc articulated his understanding of the frustrations expressed by business leaders and workers in various sectors due to the lack of visible progress in trade negotiations. "We completely share that frustration," he stated, while maintaining a hopeful outlook on the review of CUSMA and potential agreements aimed at alleviating sectoral tariffs affecting the steel, aluminum, and lumber industries.
Despite previous tensions, LeBlanc highlighted a calm approach to navigating trade relations and expressed a willingness to find constructive solutions amidst challenges. The Canadian minister also noted the United States' methodical approach to reviewing trade agreements, as articulated by U.S. trade ambassador Jamieson Greer, suggesting a "traditional process" would be followed.
As 2025 progressed, LeBlanc's engagements included multiple trips to Washington to ease trade tensions, often joining forces with high-ranking Canadian officials, including Michael Sabia, Clerk of the Privy Council, and Marc-André Blanchard, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney. However, discussions with the Trump administration have remained suspended since October 2025, following the abrupt cancellation of trade talks in response to an advertisement from the Ontario government that highlighted the adverse effects of tariffs.
Looking ahead, LeBlanc conveyed a renewed commitment to strengthening economic relations with Mexico, Canada’s third-largest trading partner. He noted that recent trips to Mexico, including discussions that took place just before the new year, demonstrated increased focus on bilateral economic relations. He underscored the importance of recognizing Mexico's growing and industrializing economy and how it aligns with both countries' interests concerning CUSMA's review.
Furthermore, LeBlanc announced plans for a significant bilateral trade mission to Mexico in February 2026, which is expected to be Canada's largest in terms of participation. He stressed the importance of this engagement in unlocking the potential of Canada-Mexico relations, stating, "It’s a growing economy. It’s an increasingly industrialized economy." The minister is poised to leverage this opportunity to enhance trade ties and tackle mutual challenges arising from the upcoming CUSMA review.
In summary, while uncertainties loom with the changing dynamics of U.S. trade policy, LeBlanc's efforts and optimism reflect a strategic commitment to maintaining and strengthening trade relations with both the United States and Mexico, navigating the complexities with a focus on constructive dialogue and cooperation.
