U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick takes a swipe at Canada's trade strategy ahead of review U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized Canada’s trade strategy and the current version of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA) during remarks at a conference hosted by Semafor, signaling growing U.S. frustration with the trade pact ahead of upcoming renegotiations. Lutnick, speaking on behalf of President Donald Trump, described CUSMA as a “bad deal” that could potentially lapse before the July 1 deadline for its review. He emphasized the need to “reimagine” and “readdress” the agreement, citing its shortcomings despite some positive aspects. Lutnick’s comments were part of broader remarks about Canada’s economic policies, where he mocked Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent trade visit to China. “They suck,” he said, referring to Canada’s trade strategy, while highlighting the U.S.’s $30-trillion economy as a counterpoint to Canada’s perceived reliance on American markets. He questioned the logic of Carney’s efforts to secure Chinese investments, noting that China’s export-driven economy would not prioritize Canadian goods. “Does he think the Chinese economy is going to buy his stuff?” Lutnick asked, criticizing Canada’s focus on Chinese electric vehicles as “nuts.” A U.S. Commerce Department spokesperson later clarified that Lutnick’s remarks about Canada “sucking” referred to the trade imbalance between the two nations, not the negotiation strategy. The spokesperson stated that Lutnick was addressing the “unfair trade imbalance” and the impact of Canada’s economic dependence on the U.S. The criticism comes amid ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Canada, with the review of CUSMA scheduled for July 1. U.S.#canada #mark_carney #us_commerce_secretary_howard_lutnick #semaphor #us_mexico_canada_agreement
