Washington, D.C., October 7, 2025 — President Donald Trump has reignited debate over North American trade policy by proposing separate bilateral agreements with Mexico and Canada, potentially replacing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
During a high-profile meeting at the White House with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump suggested that the trilateral USMCA, which he originally negotiated during his first term, may no longer be the optimal framework for U.S. trade interests. “We could renegotiate it, and that would be good,” Trump said. “Or we could make different deals. We’re allowed to do that”.
The president emphasized his desire to secure “the best deal possible” for the United States, while acknowledging Mexico and Canada as strategic partners. His comments come amid ongoing tensions over tariffs and trade imbalances, particularly in the automotive and energy sectors.
The USMCA, which replaced NAFTA in 2020, is scheduled for a formal review in 2026. Trump’s remarks suggest that his administration may pursue a more fragmented approach, favoring tailored agreements over multilateral consensus.
Canadian officials, however, have expressed a preference for maintaining the trilateral structure. Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to working with both Mexico and the U.S., stating, “We’ll move forward together, without question”.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also voiced support for preserving the USMCA, citing its role in regional economic stability and cooperation on issues like drug trafficking and border security.
Trump’s proposal marks a significant shift in tone and could reshape the future of North American trade. As the 2026 review approaches, all eyes will be on whether the continent’s economic alliance will remain united—or splinter into bilateral paths.
Source: El Economista
