Ending Steel Tariffs Key to Passing USMCA

Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley is warning the White House that President Donald Trump’s signature trade achievement—the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement—might not be approved in any of the three nations if there’s no resolution on steel and aluminum tariffs.

“It’s very, very important that the White House get on board with doing away with these tariffs so we can get this thing not only before the Congress of the United States but before the Mexican Senate and before the Parliament, the House of Commons in Canada,” Grassley told reporters on a conference call.

The Iowa Republican also outlined a narrow legislative window in Canada that could further complicate approval. Canadian lawmakers would need to begin considering ratification by March 1 to allow time for passage before Canada’s election season kicks off, he said.

David MacNaughton, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., recently told Grassley that USMCA passage in Ottawa would be far easier after tariffs are lifted.

There’s no firm schedule for Canadian Parliament to consider the trade deal. It will take several months to debate the USMCA bill, and Parliament adjourns in June until the fall election.

Source: Politico