The delayed opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has become entangled in the broader cross-border trade dispute, but the head of the Canadian auto parts industry asserts the crossing will not decide the outcome of the forthcoming Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review.
Bridge as Leverage, Not Core Issue
Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA) president Flavio Volpe said the U.S. administration is using the bridge as leverage in negotiations, but it is “not core” to the discussions. He urged Canada not to rush a deal just for short-term relief. “That bridge will be operating beyond the lives of our grandchildren, and it's important that we have that asset without hindrances going forward,” Volpe said during an event at the University of Windsor's Greenshield Hall on Wednesday, where the new Innovation District was unveiled. “It's not open now, so to say we're not going to open it, is it going to stop a shipment like the Ambassador Bridge blockade did? Temperatures are pretty low on something that is pretty loud.”
Volpe's Role and U.S. Interests
Volpe is one of 24 members on Prime Minister Mark Carney's Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations, created to help prepare for the CUSMA review. He noted that U.S. manufacturers have their own reasons for wanting the bridge open, as companies south of the border ship roughly $100 million worth of vehicles and auto parts through the Windsor-Detroit corridor every day. He expects those businesses to pressure the U.S. government to open the crossing.
Optimism for a Deal
Volpe expressed optimism that both countries are heading toward an agreement, even if talks continue into the fall. “I'm bullish on this,” he said. “We're on our way to a deal that works and it probably is September, October, but if there are some surprises, maybe it goes past the midterms, or maybe it happens before the midterms. My real surprise is if we don't have a deal.”
Potential Bilateral Arrangements
Volpe suggested any future agreement could involve bilateral arrangements between Canada and the U.S. rather than a full reopening of CUSMA. “You shouldn't take from that that the CUSMA is devolved,” he said. “You should take from that that the White House is using the leverage it has in trade issues to wrap everything else in those moments.”
Tariffs Likely to Remain
He cautioned that tariffs will likely remain for the foreseeable future. “Advocacy does work; you just got to pick your spots,” Volpe said. “There's no advocacy that's going to get us out of the tariffs completely.” Asked whether the U.S. midterm elections in November could alter President Donald Trump's approach to trade, Volpe said he was skeptical.
Chamber of Commerce Perspective
Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce president Ryan Donally also said Canada should take its time to secure the strongest possible agreement with the U.S., but he thinks the Gordie Howe bridge may weigh into the CUSMA review.
