WASHINGTON — U.S. Lawmakers voiced bipartisan support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during a Senate Finance Committee hearing Thursday, even as President Donald Trump has suggested he may seek to terminate the trade pact. The hearing comes as the agreement faces a mandatory review this year, and as the Trump administration signals potential shifts in its trade policy.
Senator Mike Crapo, Republican of Idaho, told the committee that USMCA has protected American jobs, strengthened the manufacturing sector, and contributed to economic growth. “This relationship shouldn’t be taken for granted,” Crapo stated, acknowledging that some aspects of the agreement require improvement. The sentiment was echoed by Democrats on the committee, demonstrating a rare point of unity on trade policy.
President Trump, however, has repeatedly questioned the value of USMCA, calling it “obsolete” and indicating he is not in a rush to sign a renewal. His trade representative, Jamieson Greer, has further fueled speculation by suggesting the U.S. Might be better off pursuing separate trade deals with Canada and Mexico. This position raises concerns about potential disruptions to the integrated North American supply chains.
The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), was initially negotiated under the first Trump administration. Its successful implementation was seen as a key achievement during that period, despite often fraught relations with Ottawa. The agreement’s current review presents three options: renewal for 16 years, withdrawal, or a continuation of annual reviews for up to ten years if neither renewal nor withdrawal is chosen.
Several senators raised specific concerns during the hearing. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat, criticized Canada for allegedly failing to meet its market access commitments under the agreement, hindering U.S. Exports. Senator Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana, highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as discrimination against electricity exports to Alberta, inadequate digital trade regulations, and strengthening rules of origin to ensure benefits accrue only to member countries.
The USMCA has shielded Canada and Mexico from some of the harshest impacts of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While tariffs of up to 35% were levied on some Canadian goods last August, those conforming to USMCA standards were exempt. However, separate tariffs imposed under Section 232 on steel, aluminum, automobiles, lumber, and furniture continue to significantly impact Canadian industries.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, pointed to a letter signed by President Trump as part of the USMCA agreement, promising to exclude most vehicles and auto parts from future Section 232 tariffs. Other lawmakers noted what they characterized as the President’s inconsistent threats to impose tariffs and deregulate Canadian-manufactured aircraft, as well as the recent postponement of the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario and Michigan.
Despite these criticisms, Kevin Brady, a former Republican Congressman and now a consultant, suggested that President Trump still values the USMCA. “His approach has always been tough and uncompromising in these types of agreements,” Brady said during the hearing. “But that shouldn’t prevent these three countries from strengthening, preserving, and extending it.”
As of Friday, February 14, 2026, the White House has not issued a statement responding to the Senate hearing, leaving the future of USMCA uncertain. Negotiations regarding the agreement’s renewal are expected to intensify in the coming months, with a decision anticipated by July.