Trump Questions CUSMA's Necessity, Criticizes Canadian-Made Cars During Ford Visit

President Trump Dismisses CUSMA

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, questioned the necessity of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), labeling the trade deal as 'irrelevant' during a visit to the Ford River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan. Speaking to reporters, President Trump stated, 'There's no real advantage to it — it's irrelevant,' and added, 'we can have it or not.' He further asserted that 'Canada would love it. Canada wants it. They need it,' suggesting the agreement holds more importance for Canada than for the United States.

Criticism of Canadian Automotive Production

During his tour of the Ford factory, which produces the flagship F-150 pickup trucks, President Trump also directed criticism towards Canadian automotive manufacturing. He explicitly stated, 'We don't need cars made in Canada,' and emphasized his desire for vehicles to be built within the United States. This stance aligns with his broader economic agenda focused on promoting U.S. manufacturing and addressing concerns about the job market.

CUSMA Review and North American Trade Dynamics

President Trump's comments come as CUSMA approaches a mandatory review this year, with formal discussions scheduled for mid-January ahead of a July deadline. The agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and came into force on July 1, 2020, established one of the world's largest free trade regions. Despite President Trump's remarks, industry leaders, including Ford CEO Jim Farley, have underscored the importance of a North American free trade deal, calling it 'critical' for the automotive sector due to integrated manufacturing systems across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

Implications for Canada and Upcoming Negotiations

The President's statements are seen as a significant 'warning shot' to Ottawa and Mexico City as negotiations for the trade deal's future loom. Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. relations, are preparing to engage with U.S. counterparts for the upcoming talks. The review presents the three member countries with options: renewing the pact for another 16 years, withdrawing entirely, or opting for a non-renewal/non-withdrawal scenario that would trigger annual reviews.