Ottawa/IBNS, Dec. 20 -- Canada will formally begin trade talks with the United States in January on renewing the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said in a statement.

Carney briefed premiers on preparations for CUSMA talks ahead of next year's review.

The prime minister reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to safeguarding Canada's economic interests throughout the CUSMA negotiations.

He said Minister Dominic LeBlanc will meet U.S. counterparts in mid-January to launch formal discussions.

Carney also outlined federal support for industries hit hardest by tariffs, including steel, aluminium, lumber and canola.

Carney highlighted that Canada's economy remains strong, citing declining un...