Canada-US Trade Talks Reach Critical Hour as Deadline Nears
US and Canadian negotiators are racing against time to reach a trade deal before a midnight deadline, when new US tariffs will kick in. US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% duties on various Canadian products by Wednesday but later delayed it citing progress in talks.
Citing major progress in trade talks, Trump said the US 'should be able to have a deal with Canada,' highlighting his good relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Canadian negotiators have been camped out in Washington this week trying to finalize an agreement that reportedly aims to address various flashpoints. Both sides claim a pact is nearly done, but talks are ongoing, with top Canadian negotiator Dominic LeBlanc meeting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Canada wants relief from Trump's tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum, which have battered its economy and forced job losses. Details of the proposed agreement emerged this week after Carney briefed the leaders of Canada's provinces and territories.