Canada Says More Work Needed as US Trade Deal Deadline Looms

Canada's trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, indicated that a trade deal with the United States remains unfinished, emphasizing that "more work to do" is required as the deadline for new U.S. tariffs looms. LeBlanc spoke to reporters following talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, stating that negotiations would continue "up until the last minute."

The urgency stems from President Donald Trump's threat to impose 50% duties on some Canadian products, which were initially paused for three days to allow for progress in trade talks. If no agreement is reached by the new deadline, these tariffs are set to take effect early Saturday morning.

Sources suggest the expected deal could reduce U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles from 25% to 15% and halve duties on Canadian steel and aluminum to 25%. However, Canada's reliance on the U.S. market, which accounts for approximately 70% of its exports, leaves it vulnerable to punitive trade actions.

Even if a deal is struck, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney may encounter difficulties in securing public and provincial approval. A recent poll indicated that 56% of Canadians favor a "hard line" approach, resisting further concessions to the U.S. Carney has been advocating for major provinces to reconsider boycotts on U.S. alcohol, a measure imposed in response to previous U.S. tariffs.

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We have more work to do. We're going to continue working up until the last minute. Our job is not finished.