The Indicator from Planet Money · Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Barry Appleton suggests the US is likely favoring Option B for the USMCA because it provides leverage to extract more favorable trade terms from Canada and Mexico, viewing the negotiation as a strategy for power redeployment. Canada, in contrast, is perceived as employing a less effective strategy of emphasizing partnership and mutual growth.
“And that's because it gives the US a chance to extract more favorable terms of trade from Canada and Mexico.”
“The administration sees this as a win. They see more leverage, someone's going to have to give them a deal.”
“This is not a strategy about joint economic benefit and development. This is a strategy about power redeployment.”