US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Wednesday that he is hopeful for progress by year-end on talks surrounding a North American trade deal, signaling that negotiations could continue into 2027.
“I’m hopeful that before the end of the year, we can have at least options for President (Donald) Trump and the leaders of Canada and-or Mexico to consider,” Greer told the Senate Finance Committee.
“I would love to have, between now and the end of the year, at least some arrangements — one with Canada, one with Mexico,” he said.
He added that negotiations among the three parties can take time.
Greer’s comments to lawmakers came hours before he was due to travel to Mexico for bilateral talks on the review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Earlier this month, the Trump administration said it will not renew the trade pact in its current state.
This means that the USMCA remains in force for another 10 years — if no country decides to withdraw entirely — although it will be subject to annual reviews.
During his Mexico visit from Wednesday to Friday, Greer is due to meet President Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, his office said earlier.
But US talks have proceeded more slowly with Canada, and Trump on Monday announced a 50-percent tariff on many Canadian goods in a move that could strain ties between the countries.
Some analysts see Trump’s move as a means to gain leverage over Canada in USMCA talks.
