Prime Minister Mark Carney held a private meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center following the FIFA World Cup Draw. This meeting, conducted without staff present, lasted approximately 45 minutes.
Carney’s spokesperson, Audrey Champoux, mentioned that the discussions with both Trump and Sheinbaum were constructive, focusing on Canada’s role as a co-host for the FIFA World Cup 26 and exploring leadership opportunities. The leaders agreed to continue collaborating on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Earlier in the day, Trump had indicated that trade discussions would be on the agenda during the meeting, emphasizing his positive rapport with Carney and Sheinbaum. This marked the first private encounter between Carney and Trump since the U.S. president halted trade talks in response to an anti-tariff advertisement backed by the Ontario government.
Trade dynamics among the three nations were disrupted by Trump’s extensive tariffs earlier this year. Although CUSMA has provided protection to Canada and Mexico from widespread tariffs, the agreement faces a mandatory review next year, with a potential expiration in 2036 if not renewed.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the negotiations surrounding CUSMA are expected to cast a shadow over the event. While Canada and Mexico have taken distinct stances towards the Trump administration, Carney has engaged in amicable discussions with the president. Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico varied, with Canada facing a 35% increase and Mexico a 25% rise, alongside additional tariffs on various industries.
The looming CUSMA review presents each country with options to renew the agreement, withdraw from it, or signal a stance for continued negotiations. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer hinted at the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from CUSMA and initiating separate negotiations with Canada and Mexico.
Public hearings conducted by Greer’s office in Washington heard testimonies from Canadian industry representatives advocating for the significance of CUSMA and urging a timely review. The Business Council of Canada emphasized the importance of maintaining the agreement for the stability of workers and their families across North America.