Canada's House of Commons approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement -- called CUSMA in Canada -- by unanimous consent March 13, before adjourning until April 20 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Canadian Senate passed it less than an hour later. Royal Assent, the equivalent of a presidential signature in the U.S., followed shortly, and the Senate adjourned as well. Now, all three countries must continue to work on uniform regulations so that they can certify the treaty is ready to enter into force. Efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 may slow that process, because the countries also have to evaluate the progress toward fulfilling commitments, such as setting up labor courts in Mexico and getting new rules of origin processes in place. Once that certification is issued, NAFTA will be replaced on the first day of the third month after the announcement.

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of March 11 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

Argentina updated its export tax regime this month for certain agricultural products, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service report released March 9. The changes, announced March 4, increased export tax rates from 30% to 33% for soybeans and soybean products, the USDA said, while wheat, corn and sorghum export rates remained at 12%. Other goods, including corn flour, paddy rice, peanuts and sunflower seeds saw decreases in their export tax rates.

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of March 9 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of March 6 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

Ecuador recently renewed its tariff exemptions for imports of soybean meal and wheat from all origins, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service report released March 2. The exemptions took effect Jan. 1 and will last for five years, the agency said. The extension marks the first time Ecuador has announced a five-year renewal, the agency said, adding that previous extensions have covered only two- to three-year periods.

Costa Rica introduced an interest rate for late or incorrect payments on taxes made to the country’s customs authority, according to a March 5 KPMG alert. The new rate will be 12.2% and will take effect April 1. KPMG said the rate also applies to “interest in the case of fines imposed by the National Customs Service.”

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of Mar. 4 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

Global Affairs Canada is seeking comment on the “Origin Quota commitment for Vehicles under the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union,” it said in a notice. Comments are due April 22.

Brazil and Paraguay signed an agreement in February that is expected to strengthen trade and customs cooperation, according to a Feb. 28 KPMG post. The deal calls for both countries to grant “free trade” treatment for certain auto products, the post said, and provides rules of origin for auto goods and “preferential access conditions.” The deal must still be ratified in both countries.