Carney says Trump opposes CUSMA as renewal talks loom

Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged on Thursday that it is no secret U.S. President Donald Trump dislikes the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, as the trade pact faces a critical renewal deadline. Carney, speaking in Vancouver, sought to project confidence that the deal would remain in place in the short term despite Trump's recent comments questioning its value.

The agreement, known as CUSMA, is up for mandatory review, with formal talks between the three nations required to begin by July 1. On Wednesday, Trump told reporters at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, that the United States would be better off without the agreement and that he preferred it be terminated rather than extended for another 16 years or subjected to annual reviews. He also sent mixed signals, however, indicating he might ultimately sign a renewal.

Carney cited recent assurances from U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the underlying structure of CUSMA was solid and would remain in place through negotiations. The prime minister noted that any party can cancel the agreement with six months' notice but emphasized there are specific trade issues the countries can work on together. One key...