Trade uncertainty increases in North America, Trump threatens not to renew USMCA
United States President Donald Trump once again cast doubt on the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), warning that his administration may not support the renewal of the trade pact when it enters its review process this summer.
During statements made in the Oval Office of the White House, the Republican president said his government is in talks with representatives of Mexico and Canada, but avoided committing to an automatic extension of the pact that regulates trade among the three North American economies.
“To be honest, the United States does much better alone. We don’t need anything Canada has, we don’t need anything Mexico has, but they need everything we have,” Trump said. The president insisted that Washington runs trade deficits with its partners and reiterated that the United States should obtain greater benefits within the regional economic relationship.
The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), came into effect in 2020 after being promoted by Trump during his first term. The agreement provides for a joint review six years after its entry into force and contemplates the possibility of extending its validity for another 16 years if the three governments reach a consensus before July 1.
Although the treaty would remain in force until 2036 even if an immediate renewal is not achieved, the refusal of any partner would open a period of annual reviews that could last a decade.
"I don’t know that I will renew it." — @POTUS on the USMCA "They just have to treat us better. With Mexico or Canada we have trade deficits. We should have surpluses with them." — via Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 10, 2026
Canada and Mexico seek trade stability
Trump's statements come as his trading partners have already publicly expressed their interest in keeping the agreement in force and exploring adjustments that strengthen regional economic integration.
The Canadian government considers the USMCA a fundamental instrument to protect trade that exceeds $1.3 trillion annually with the United States. In addition, the agreement has served as a partial shield against various tariffs promoted by the Trump administration in strategic sectors.
Last week, Canadian Minister of Trade between Canada and the United States, Dominic LeBlanc, held meetings in Washington with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Although both sides avoided disclosing specific details, Canadian officials described the meetings as positive and aimed at resolving historical differences.
Meanwhile, the United States has already initiated formal talks with Mexico to discuss the future of the treaty and plans new rounds of negotiations in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, U.S. agricultural organizations, Republican lawmakers, and business leaders have expressed support for the continuity of the agreement. During a Congressional hearing, representatives of the agricultural sector noted that the USMCA has been crucial for U.S. exports of products such as soybeans, meat, and grains.
"I understand that the Post's Editorial Board may want to give a pass to foreign countries that choose to turn a blind eye to forced labor abroad, and it might never bring itself to publish the headline 'President Trump does more to combat modern slavery than any?" — via Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 10, 2026
Greer defends Trump's trade pressure
Uncertainty about the future of the treaty coincides with a new defense of the White House's trade policy by Jamieson Greer, Trump's top trade negotiator.
In a letter sent to the editorial board of The Washington Post, Greer defended the use of tariffs and other trade tools to combat the import of products made with forced labor. The official responded to criticism published by the newspaper and argued that the United States must use its economic influence to force other countries to tighten their controls.
According to Greer, during Trump's first term both Mexico and Canada incorporated restrictions against the import of goods produced through forced labor, while other trading partners have advanced more slowly.
The trade representative stated that nine countries have already committed to adopting similar measures as part of trade agreements promoted by Washington. He also criticized the European Union and Canada for what he considers insufficient enforcement of their own regulations.
“Under Trump's presidency, the United States will no longer tolerate forced labor in global supply chains,” Greer wrote.
His statements offer a signal about the priorities that could mark the USMCA review. Beyond traditional issues related to autos, manufacturing, or agricultural products, the Trump administration seems willing to incorporate demands related to labor standards, trade compliance, and stricter enforcement mechanisms.
For now, the president's comments have raised new doubts about the future of North America's main economic agreement. However, international trade experts point out that the statements could also be part of Trump's negotiation strategy, characterized by increasing public pressure before entering the decisive phase of talks.
