Trade agreements

The Associated Press highlights how the US ban on nearly US$1 billion of Canadian imports further escalates bilateral trade tensions and complicates the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) renewal. National Post shows that the US-Canada trade war is hitting northern border and plains states hardest, including several key Senate battlegrounds. El Pais examines how China has become a central issue in US-Mexico trade talks. Yahoo News outlines how US-India trade talks remain stalled amid tariffs, legal uncertainty, and new US sanctions legislation targeting purchasers of Russian oil. Reuters notes that Brazil is seeking the removal of several US tariffs as both countries establish a working group on a potential trade agreement. Bloomberg details how Argentina’s US trade deal faces uncertainty as President Javier Milei seeks renegotiation but lacks congressional support, while Washington refuses to reopen the agreement.

Mentioned publications

From motorcycles to booze, US ban on $1 billion worth of Canadian imports goes into effect – Paul Wiseman, Associated Press, September 30, 2026
The United States has implemented a ban on nearly US$1 billion of Canadian imports, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motorcycles, escalating an already tense bilateral trade dispute. While the direct economic impact is expected to be modest relative to the US$880 billion annual trading relationship, the move threatens efforts to renew the USMCA as Canada seeks to reduce its reliance on the US market and diversify its trade relationships.
Map shows the US states hit hardest by Trump's trade war with Canada – Ellie Hutchings, National Post, September 29, 2026
The US-Canada trade war is hitting some states harder than others, with northern border and plains states such as North Dakota, Montana, Maine, and Vermont especially exposed because of their reliance on trade with Canada. The dispute is also affecting key Senate battlegrounds ahead of the US midterms, while Canadian counter-tariffs are designed in part to put political pressure on Washington.
China, the white elephant in US-Mexico trade negotiations – Karina Suárez, El Pais, September 28, 2026
Mexico and the United States face a complicated USMCA negotiation centered increasingly on China, as Washington pushes Mexico to curb Chinese goods, investment, and technology while raising US content in North American manufacturing. Mexico, meanwhile, is seeking better tariff treatment from Washington while reducing dependence on Asian inputs and carefully calibrating its position between the US and China.
Will the India-US trade standoff ever come to an end? Outlook unclear, according to officials – Kate Nishimura, Yahoo News, October 2, 2026
US-India trade negotiations remain stalled despite renewed high-level engagement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Progress toward a long-anticipated trade agreement has been complicated by US tariffs, legal uncertainty surrounding American trade policy, and new sanctions legislation targeting buyers of Russian oil, which could expose India to tariffs of up to 100%.
Brazil seeks 'full tariff reduction' in US trade pact – Reuters, October 1, 2026
Brazil is seeking the removal of US tariffs on its steel and aluminum exports, as well as the 12.5% forced-labor-related duty and 25% Section 301 tariff. The two countries will establish a working group on a potential trade agreement, with the US expected to propose the scope of tariff and non-tariff negotiations in the coming weeks.
Milei’s US trade deal is under threat as Argentina demands better terms – Manuela Tobias, Bloomberg, September 22, 2026
Argentina’s trade agreement with the US faces growing uncertainty as President Javier Milei lacks congressional support to ratify the deal and is seeking renegotiation following a US Supreme Court ruling that invalidated Trump’s global tariffs. Washington has firmly rejected reopening negotiations, while Milei’s weakened political position, competing legislative priorities, and domestic opposition to some provisions have further complicated ratification.