Integration for resilience
North America is re-emerging as a production ecosystem. Trilateral trade among Canada, the U.S., and Mexico now exceeds US$1.6 trillion annually, up 28% since 2018 (USMCA Secretariat). Energy, critical minerals, and EVs are driving a new industrial pact.
| Metric | 2018 | 2025 | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American trade (US$ tn) | 1.25 | 1.60 | +28 % | USMCA |
| Auto-parts regional content (%) | 62 | 74 | +12 pts | CUSMA |
| Cross-border manufacturing jobs (mn) | 7.5 | 8.3 | +10 % | OECD 2025 |
Strategic opportunities
- Near-shoring supply chains reduces geopolitical risk.
- Shared investment in battery plants and AI manufacturing corridors is accelerating.
- Digital customs and trade platforms are under development for 2027.
What leaders can do
- Position Canada as a reliability brand within the USMCA zone.
- Co-invest with U.S.–Mexico partners in clean-tech and semiconductors.
- Advocate for regulatory harmonization in data, labour, and transport.
- Leverage trade-financing programs through EDC and US EXIM Bank.
Arcus Insight: North America is becoming the world’s most stable industrial bloc. Canada’s advantage lies in being the trusted integrator.