Canada, Mexico Push for Steel Tariff Relief Amid USMCA Negotiations

International Trade attorney Patrick Childress was quoted in an S&P Global article discussing efforts by Canada and Mexico to seek relief from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs during the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The article outlined how both countries have been affected by the 50 percent Section 232 tariff on steel imports but taken different approaches toward the duties; Canada has pursued a more assertive response through reciprocal measures and trade enforcement, while Mexico has taken a more diplomatic approach focused on negotiations and domestic industry support. Mr. Childress reported that the U.S. is entering the USMCA review with its own agenda and significant negotiating leverage, making it difficult for Canada and Mexico to condition the talks on tariff relief despite the economic pressure facing their steel industries.

"Given that it's the U.S. government making these demands in the context of the USMCA negotiations, I think it's going to be hard for Mexico and Canada to forcefully introduce demands related to Section 232 as a condition related to the USMCA review," he said.

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