Everyone in the Canadian freight forwarding and logistics industry has felt the uncertainty this year — much like that jumbled pile of alphabet pasta with the word *chaos* spelled out in the middle. But behind the visual metaphor lies a real and evolving landscape in international trade policy that could reshape how goods move across North America.
At the centre of it all is the Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement, better known as CUSMA. CUSMA — known in the U.S. as USMCA — came into force in 2020 and has governed tariff-free trade for most goods between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, according to the United States Trade Representative. For Canada, about 70% of exports go to the U.S., making this agreement critical for many of our clients’ supply chains.
Formal review talks are now scheduled for mid-January 2026, with Canada and the United States preparing to reopen negotiations and examine how the agreement should evolve. In the months leading up to this review, both governments have been gathering public feedback and consulting with industry stakeholders. From transportation and manufacturing to agriculture, voices from across the economy are weighing in, raising concerns about tariffs, border security, digital trade, and the preservation of deeply integrated supply chains that have taken decades to build.
This environment has created a growing sense of unpredictability. Although retaliatory tariffs introduced earlier this year have already been adjusted or repealed, tensions remain around sensitive sectors such as steel, aluminum, automotive manufacturing, lumber, and dairy. These are not abstract policy issues for logistics providers — they translate directly into customs clearance challenges, fluctuating transportation costs, shifting documentation requirements, and, in some cases, longer border wait times. Political priorities continue to shift on both sides of the border, adding another layer of complexity to a system that depends on stability and clarity to function efficiently.
For Canadian freight forwarders, this period of uncertainty is a reminder that cross-border compliance and regulatory knowledge are no longer optional extras but core business competencies. As the framework that governs North American trade is re-examined, forwarders must stay sharp on tariff classifications, rules of origin, documentation standards, and emerging compliance requirements. At the same time, risk management becomes increasingly important. When trade policy is in flux, contingency planning for alternate routes, changing carrier availability, and evolving border procedures can be the difference between a smooth shipment and a costly disruption.
Many Canadian businesses, particularly small and mid-sized importers and exporters, look to their freight forwarders not just as service providers but as trusted advisers. The current CUSMA review offers an opportunity to step into that role even more fully by helping clients understand how potential policy shifts could affect their supply chains, costs, and delivery timelines. Clear communication, proactive education, and steady guidance can turn uncertainty into reassurance at a time when many companies are struggling to interpret the headlines.
While the word chaos may feel like an accurate description of the current moment, it does not have to define the future. With the right preparation, informed supervision, and a commitment to staying engaged with policy developments, Canadian freight forwarders can navigate the evolving trade landscape with confidence. What looks like a scattered jumble today can still be reorganized into something coherent tomorrow — and for those willing to stay ahead of the curve, this period of change may ultimately become a powerful opportunity rather than a disruption.
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