Canada US trade council launched for 2025

Jan 16, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

New initiative to boost Canada US trade

A new voluntary initiative was launched on January 10, bringing together Canadian organizations to address trade challenges between Canada and the United States.

The Canada-US Trade Council (CUSTC) aims to facilitate communication and collaboration among diverse sectors. It currently only includes agriculture organizations involved in dairy and agrifood.

"Dairy Farmers of Canada is pleased to join the Canada-US Trade Council as we collaborate to strengthen trade relations with our most important trading partner while also ensuring a secure future for all Canadian industries.

As we face this crucial moment in Canada-US relations, it is essential that industries work towards a collective approach to both tariff discussions and the broader CUSMA review." said Jacques Lefebvre, Chief Executive Officer, Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Non-agriculture organizations include - steel, aluminum, forest products, oil and gas, chemistry, banking, and other industry groups such as the Business Council of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

The initiative also includes leading labour organizations.

The Steering Committee will be co-chaired by the CEOs of the Aluminum Association of Canada and the Canadian Steel Producers Association, with the group planning regular meetings to discuss tariff issues and the upcoming CUSMA review.

The CUSTC is not a lobbying organization but focuses on information-sharing and fostering ongoing conversations with government officials.

“By bringing together, from across Canada, industry, unions and experts, the Council provides a dynamic and timely platform to freely address issues strategies and opportunities with Government officials.

This crisis is worth all our efforts, and we must seize the moment to grow Canada stronger within a safer, more secure and competitive business environment for our future. Co-chairing this initiative with my colleague from the steel industry is a privilege.” said Jean Simard, President and CEO, Aluminium Association of Canada.

The council will also engage expert advisors with experience in Canada-US trade relations, such as Steve Verheul, James Moore, Jean Charest, and others. Canadian and provincial government officials will participate in meetings to share insights and gather input from participants.

“With $1.3 trillion in goods and services crossing our shared border every year, Canada is America’s biggest customer. Trade with Canada plays an important role in U.S. economic security and supports millions of American jobs.

Business and labour leadership are essential as we work to find ways to strengthen our strategic partnership with the US and I look forward to working alongside the Canada-U.S. Trade Council at this important time” said Ambassador Kirsten Hillman.

Photo Credit: canada-us-counsil

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