Minister Ng concludes successful trilateral meeting of Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Free Trade Commission

On July 7 and 8, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, hosted Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, and Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, for the second meeting of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Free Trade Commission (FTC). Minister Ng thanked Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier for their continued collaboration in supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for under-represented groups in the 3 countries. The FTC meeting concluded with the adoption of a trilateral statement outlining the overall results of the committees’ work and providing directions on maintaining momentum in implementation. The trilateral trade and investment relationship among Canada, the United States and Mexico is one of the most dynamic in the world, supporting economic growth, prosperity and good jobs in all three countries. During her meeting with Secretary Clouthier, the Minister reiterated Canada’s concern with the investment climate in Mexico, especially in the mining and energy sectors. Minister Ng also raised Canada’s concerns regarding Mexico’s approach to biotechnology. The Minister highlighted the strong relationship between Canada and Mexico and progress being made in the implementation of CUSMA, and discussed the creation of a Canada-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue which will provide a new forum to increase collaboration and strengthen competitiveness. In her meeting with Ambassador Tai, Minister Ng welcomed the agreement reached with the United States on removing U.S. tariffs on solar products from Canada, an outcome that underscores the importance of rules-based trade and the dispute settlement process under CUSMA. Minister Ng raised key issues including the unjustified U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber, as well as areas for collaboration including strengthening supply chains, engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and advancing WTO reform. July 8, 2022 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Global Affairs Canada Marking the second anniversary of CUSMA’s entry into force, Minister Ng, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier highlighted the ongoing implementation of CUSMA and its importance in advancing rules-based and inclusive trade in North America and supporting the region’s global competitiveness. On July 7, Minister Ng, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier took part in a panel discussion on women in trade and efforts by all three countries to advance inclusivity and support for women entrepreneurs seeking to export and reach new international markets.

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