Canada to complain about U.S. auto move in latest sign of trade strains

National flags representing Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. are lit by stage lights at the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, renegotiations, in Mexico City, on September 5, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Marco Ugarte

OTTAWA -

Canada will sign onto a complaint against the United States over its interpretation of how free trade should apply to the continental auto industry, another sign of souring ties between the two neighbors.

Trade Minister Mary Ng said on Thursday that Canada would join Mexico in requesting a dispute settlement panel under the terms of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade pact.

The two countries want to settle disagreements over how to apply automotive sector content requirements under the treaty, which came into effect in 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Mexico and Canada are also unhappy about proposed U.S. tax breaks for American-based manufacturers of electric vehicles. This, they say, could undermine the highly integrated North American auto industry.

Under USMCA, 75% of a vehicle's components must originate in North America to quality for tax-free status, up from 62.5% under NAFTA.

Mexico and Canada favour a more flexible interpretation of the regulations than Washington, which sought an overhaul of NAFTA when Donald Trump was president in order to protect manufacturing jobs.

"The interpretation that the United States adopted ... is inconsistent with USMCA and the understanding shared by the parties and stakeholders throughout the negotiations," Ng said in a statement. Mexico welcomed the move.

The office of the U.S. Trade Representative expressed confidence its interpretation was consistent with the USMCA.

Spokesman Adam Hodge said by email that the rules of origin were needed to attract news investment and create good jobs.

Joe Biden's election did little to improve trade tensions with Ottawa that had simmered under Trump. A USMCA panel last week said Canada's dairy practices violated the accord and last month Ottawa launched a challenge against U.S. duties on softwood lumber.

Washington is also unhappy about a proposed Canadian tax on digital services, and reiterated its complaints on Wednesday.