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A Primer on CUSMA and the Cultural and Creative Industries

A Primer on CUSMA and the Cultural and Creative Industries

By Danielle Pierre, Graduate Research Assistant, Cultural Policy Hub

A map of Canada, the United States and Mexico

This Policy Brief offers a primer on Canadian cultural trade and issues that may be raised in the upcoming joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). There is great uncertainty regarding Canada’s geopolitical position and trade relationships. This upcoming policy exercise is part of a larger context concerning the import and export of culture amidst rapid digital transformation and U.S. departures from the typical Canada-U.S. trade relationship. During the negotiations, priority should be placed on ensuring Canadian voices and cultural expressions are not drowned out or facing undue competition.

Key Points:

  • The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is the current free trade agreement between three North American parties; goods and services that are traded under CUSMA receive preferential treatment compared to goods and services that are not.
  • Joint review for the operation of CUSMA is planned for July 2026.  
  • The culture exemption within CUSMA allows Canada to take measures to protect its cultural industries, while maintaining creators’ and businesses’ preferential treatments under the agreement.
  • Canadian cultural sector interest holders are looking to the government to maintain the cultural exemption and abilities to regulate digital services that operate in Canada.  

Read the full policy brief below:

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