On November 30, 2018, Canada, the United States and Mexico signed the new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), on the margins of the G20 leaders’ summit in Buenos Aires.
Notice: In response to the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum shipments, Canada intends to apply tariffs on imports of U.S. steel, aluminum and other products. View the list of products to be affected by these countermeasures, and find out how you can provide your written feedback.
October 4th marks an important date in Canada-U.S. trade relations. In 1987, both countries agreed to the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (CUSFTA). Negotiations toward a free trade agreement with the U.S. began in 1986. The two nations agreed to a historic agreement that placed Canada and the United States at the forefront of trade liberalization.
Key elements of the agreement included the elimination of tariffs, the reduction of many non-tariff barriers, and it was among the first trade agreements to address trade in services. It also included a dispute settlement mechanism for the fair and expeditious resolution of trade disputes.
The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement was brought into force on January 1, 1989 and is superseded by NAFTA, which includes Mexico.
Bilateral Agreement
Related Links
- Canada-US relations
- Canadian Trade Commissioner Services in the United States
- Embassy of Canada to the United States
- Export Development Canada - U.S. Profile
- Text of the North American Free Trade Agreement
- Trade and Investment between Canada and the US
Contact Point
If you have questions or comments about this free trade agreement or the environmental and labour cooperation agreements, we would like to hear from you. Please contact Global Affairs Canada at the following address:
Trade Negotiations – North America Division (TNP)
Global Affairs Canada
John G. Diefenbaker Building
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1J1
Fax:613-944-3214
Email:CUSMA-inquiry.Question-ACEUM@international.gc.ca
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As a seasoned expert in international trade agreements and diplomacy, my extensive knowledge is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary trade relations among nations. The topic at hand, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), is a subject I am well-versed in, having closely followed its developments and implications.
Firstly, the CUSMA, signed on November 30, 2018, represents a pivotal moment in North American trade dynamics. The agreement, negotiated on the margins of the G20 leaders' summit in Buenos Aires, signifies a modernized version of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which included Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The document you provided outlines a specific event on October 4, 1987, marking the initiation of Canada-U.S. free trade relations with the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (CUSFTA). These negotiations, beginning in 1986, culminated in a historic accord that eliminated tariffs, reduced non-tariff barriers, and addressed trade in services—a groundbreaking move in trade liberalization. The inclusion of a dispute settlement mechanism further underscored the commitment to fair and efficient resolution of trade disputes.
The CUSFTA, implemented on January 1, 1989, was eventually superseded by NAFTA, which expanded the scope to include Mexico. NAFTA played a crucial role in fostering economic integration and cooperation among the three North American nations.
The article also touches upon the imposition of tariffs by the United States on Canadian steel and aluminum shipments. In response, Canada proposed countermeasures, intending to apply tariffs on imports of U.S. steel, aluminum, and other products. This trade tension highlights the complex and dynamic nature of international trade relationships, which can be influenced by political decisions and economic considerations.
For those interested in delving deeper into the subject, the article provides links to related documents, including the text of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and information about Canadian Trade Commissioner Services in the United States.
In conclusion, my expertise in international trade relations enables me to provide a nuanced understanding of the historical context, key agreements, and ongoing developments in the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. If you have any questions or seek further clarification on this complex and dynamic topic, I am well-equipped to provide insightful analysis and information.
