The United States Refuses to Extend the Canada-United States-Mexico Trade Agreement

美國拒絕延長美墨加協定


Introduction

The United States has decided not to renew the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) in its current form after a required joint review.

在完成必要的聯合審查後,美國決定不以目前的形式續展《美墨加協定》(CUSMA/USMCA)。

Main Body

Current political tensions are highlighted by the U.S. refusal to commit to a sixteen-year extension of the trade deal. According to the agreement's rules, representatives from the three countries met online to evaluate how well the treaty is working. While Canada and Mexico wanted to continue the deal, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized that the U.S. would not agree to a renewal under the current framework. He asserted that it is necessary to address trade deficits and other systemic problems first.

美國拒絕承諾將該貿易協定延長十六年,凸顯了目前的政治緊張局勢。根據協定規定,三國代表透過線上會議評估該條約的運作成效。雖然加拿大與墨西哥希望繼續執行協定,但美國貿易代表 Jamieson Greer 強調,美國不會在現有框架下同意續約。他主張必須先解決貿易逆差及其他系統性問題。

CUSMA was originally created during the first Trump administration to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Although it was initially seen as a success, current U.S. officials have described the agreement as 'irrelevant.' However, there are different opinions within the administration; while Jamieson Greer acknowledged that some parts of the pact still work, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and adviser Peter Navarro have remained more critical.

CUSMA 最初是在川普第一任政府期間建立,旨在取代《北美自由貿易協定》(NAFTA)。雖然最初被視為成功,但目前的美國官員將該協定形容為「不再相關」。然而,政府內部存在不同意見;Jamieson Greer 承認協定部分內容依然有效,但商務部長 Howard Lutnick 與顧問 Peter Navarro 的批評則更為激烈。

Experts suggest that the lack of a formal extension could cause instability. Andrew Hale from Advancing American Freedom argued that the unpredictable U.S. trade strategy might reduce North American competitiveness and discourage long-term investment. On the other hand, Carlo Dade from the University of Calgary suggested that missing the renewal deadline is not a major problem as long as the countries continue to talk. Furthermore, data from Ipsos and Nanos Research shows that the public in both the U.S. and Canada still strongly support the three-way agreement.

專家建議,缺乏正式延長可能會導致不穩定。來自 Advancing American Freedom 的 Andrew Hale 主張,美國不可預測的貿易策略可能會降低北美的競爭力,並阻礙長期投資。另一方面,卡加利大學的 Carlo Dade 則認為,只要各國繼續對話,錯過續約期限並非重大問題。此外,Ipsos 與 Nanos Research 的數據顯示,美國與加拿大的民眾仍強烈支持這項三方協定。

Conclusion

The agreement remains active until the current issues are resolved or the deal is formally ended, and bilateral talks between the U.S. and Mexico are expected to continue.

在現有問題解決或協定正式終止前,該協定依然有效,且美國與墨西哥之間的雙邊談判預計將繼續。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The "B2 Pivot": From Simple Words to Precise Actions

At the A2 level, you likely use words like say, think, or want. To reach B2, you need Reporting Verbs. These words don't just tell us what was said, but how and why it was said.

🔍 The Shift in the Text

Look at how the article describes the people speaking. Instead of saying "Jamieson Greer said," the author uses:

  • Emphasized \rightarrow (A2: said strongly) \rightarrow Used to show something is very important.
  • Asserted \rightarrow (A2: said it is true) \rightarrow Used to state a fact with confidence and authority.
  • Acknowledged \rightarrow (A2: said yes) \rightarrow Used to admit that something is true, even if you don't like it.
  • Argued \rightarrow (A2: gave an opinion) \rightarrow Used to give a reason for a specific point of view.

🛠️ How to apply this to your speaking

Stop using "He said..." for everything. Try this formula:

[Person] + [B2 Verb] + [that] + [Opinion/Fact]

Example: Instead of "My boss said the project is late," try "My boss emphasized that the project is late."

💡 Pro Tip: The "Contrast" Connector

B2 speakers connect ideas more fluidly. Notice the use of "However" and "On the other hand" in the text.

  • A2 style: "The deal is bad. But some people like it."
  • B2 style: "The agreement is described as irrelevant; however, some officials acknowledge that parts of it still work."

Quick Guide: Which verb to pick?

  • Want to sound firm? \rightarrow Assert
  • Want to highlight a point? \rightarrow Emphasize
  • Want to disagree politely? \rightarrow Argue
  • Want to admit a truth? \rightarrow Acknowledge

Vocabulary Learning

renew (v.)
To extend the period of validity of a contract, agreement, or document.
Example:The company decided to renew the contract for another two years.
evaluate (v.)
To judge or calculate the quality, amount, or value of something.
Example:The committee will evaluate the success of the project next month.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the exam.
asserted (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that her client was innocent of all charges.
systemic (adj.)
Relating to a system as a whole, rather than just individual parts.
Example:The economist argued that the country is facing systemic financial failure.
irrelevant (adj.)
Not connected with or relevant to something; not applicable.
Example:His previous experience in retail is irrelevant to this engineering position.
acknowledged (v.)
To accept or admit that something is true.
Example:The government acknowledged that the new policy had failed.
instability (n.)
A state of being unstable; a lack of predictability or reliability.
Example:Political instability in the region has led to a decrease in foreign investment.
competitiveness (n.)
The ability of a company or country to offer goods and services that are as good or cheaper than others.
Example:Lowering taxes can help increase the global competitiveness of local businesses.
bilateral (adj.)
Involving two parties, usually two countries.
Example:The two nations signed a bilateral agreement to reduce trade tariffs.
Practice B2 words in a crossword