Trump says U.S. 'doesn't need' Canadian products and calls CUSMA 'irrelevant'

President Trump told reporters he believes the United States does not need products from Canada and described the continental trade pact CUSMA as 'irrelevant'; Canada and Mexico are preparing for a mandatory review of the agreement this year.

President Trump told reporters he believes the United States does not need products from Canada and described the continental trade pact CUSMA as "irrelevant." The comments have unsettled officials in Canada and Mexico ahead of a mandatory review of the agreement this year. The three countries have begun domestic consultations as part of that review. Dominic LeBlanc, the Canadian minister responsible for Canada–U.S. relations, is scheduled to meet U.S. counterparts in mid-January to launch formal CUSMA talks. Key facts: - Trump said the United States "doesn't need" Canadian products and called CUSMA "irrelevant," as reported. - Domestic consultations among Canada, the United States and Mexico have started for this year's mandatory CUSMA review. - Dominic LeBlanc is scheduled to meet U.S. counterparts in mid-January to begin formal talks on the pact. - Officials note that goods compliant with CUSMA were exempted from some previously announced duties. Summary: The president's remarks have unsettled Canada and Mexico while the three countries proceed with the mandatory CUSMA review and domestic consultations. Formal talks are set to begin with mid-January meetings between Canadian and U.S. officials.