US-Canada Trade Talks Yield Limited Progress as Tariff Deadline Looms
Canada reports limited progress in trade discussions with the US over steel and auto tariffs as President Trump delays proposed 50 percent import duties.
POLICY WIRE — OTTAWA, Canada — Trade negotiations between Ottawa and Washington have seen only modest movement, according to a Canadian government official familiar with the ongoing discussions.
The bilateral dialogues focus heavily on Section 232 tariffs targeting steel and automotive imports. Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that negotiations have intensified recently amid mounting political pressure surrounding the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Engagements between the two neighboring nations escalated over the past week after U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Carney held direct discussions. Following that interaction, President Trump postponed a proposed 50 percent tariff on billions of dollars in Canadian products by three days, citing recent movement and asserting that “we have a deal” with Ottawa.
However, Canadian representatives remain more cautious, describing recent developments as “limited progress” rather than a finalized agreement. This renewed dialogue marks the first active engagement since President Trump abruptly halted negotiations last October, reportedly triggered by a television advertisement.
A recent report by Semafor suggested a resolution was not as imminent as senior U.S. officials, including Hassett, had indicated over the weekend. Addressing those reports, Carney emphasized that Canada’s official stance has not shifted, asserting that any forward movement stems from Washington adjusting its position closer to Ottawa’s expectations.
The recent intensification follows a breakdown in talks late Friday night that threatened to rekindle a North American trade dispute. At the time, Canadian officials pledged to implement matching retaliatory tariffs against any incoming American duties.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
