Canada has formally requested a sixteen-year extension of the USA-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the trade pact linking the three North American economies, as the July deadline to renegotiate it looms. Trade minister Dominic LeBlanc described the agreement as highly beneficial and said Canada remains open to improvements which would strengthen long-term prosperity across the region. Discussions continue as Canadian and American officials meet in Washington, while Mexico has also expressed support for renewing the treaty. However, significant issues remain unresolved, including tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminium, automobiles and lumber, as well as US concerns about access to Canadian markets. The USA is also seeking higher levels of American-made content in North American vehicle production. Meanwhile, economic pressures within Canada have increased calls for a successful agreement. If the three nations cannot agree to extend the pact by 1 July, it will remain in force but will require annual renewals until 2036.