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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has firmly rejected suggestions that free trade between the United States and Canada is over, labeling the idea as “silly” during a recent interview. Despite ongoing trade tensions and occasional disagreements, Lutnick emphasized the significant and continuous flow of Canadian goods into the U.S. market, underscoring the enduring importance of the trading relationship.

The question stemmed from a period of heightened scrutiny surrounding the U.S.-Canada trade landscape, fueled by occasional disputes over agricultural products, softwood lumber, and other key sectors. Some analysts had begun to speculate about a potential cooling of relations, even suggesting a possible unraveling of the decades-long free trade agreement.

However, Lutnick swiftly dismissed these concerns. “The notion that U.S.-Canada free trade is dead is simply silly,” he stated. “We see a substantial amount of Canadian goods entering the U.S. every single day. It's a vital part of our economy and theirs.” He pointed to the sheer volume of trade, citing billions of dollars worth of goods crossing the border daily, as evidence of the relationship’s resilience and ongoing strength.

The U.S.-Canada trade relationship is one of the most significant in the world, predating NAFTA and continuing robustly under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border and contributes significantly to the economic prosperity of both nations. Industries such as automotive, energy, agriculture, and technology all rely heavily on the seamless flow of goods and services between the two countries.

While acknowledging that trade negotiations can be complex and disagreements can arise, Lutnick reiterated the commitment of the U.S. government to maintaining a strong and mutually beneficial trading relationship with Canada. He emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to address any challenges that may emerge.

“We’re partners, and we’ll work through any bumps in the road,” Lutnick affirmed. “The underlying fundamentals of our economic relationship are incredibly strong, and I’m confident that we’ll continue to thrive as trading partners for many years to come.”

The Commerce Secretary's comments are likely to reassure businesses and investors on both sides of the border who rely on the stability and predictability of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship. They also serve as a reminder of the deep economic ties that bind the two nations, despite occasional political disagreements.