DistantNews
Support us
Canada says 'more work to do' on US trade deal with deadline looming
🇮🇪 Ireland /Economy & Trade

Canada says 'more work to do' on US trade deal with deadline looming

From RTÉ News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Canada and the United States are in last-minute trade negotiations to avoid new tariffs.
  • Canadian negotiator Dominic LeBlanc stated that more work is needed to finalize a deal before the midnight deadline.
  • The potential agreement aims to address trade disputes, including US tariffs on Canadian autos, steel, and aluminum.

Canadian trade minister Dominic LeBlanc indicated that a trade deal with the United States was not yet finalized, with only hours remaining before a midnight deadline for new tariffs to take effect. "We have more work to do. We're going to continue working up until the last minute. Our job is not finished," LeBlanc told reporters after talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

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

— Dominic LeBlancCanadian trade minister Dominic LeBlanc speaking to reporters as he left the office of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

US President Donald Trump had threatened to impose 50% duties on Canadian products but issued a last-minute delay, citing significant progress. Canadian negotiators have been in Washington this week attempting to resolve various trade flashpoints. LeBlanc's comments followed meetings with Greer that lasted for hours on Thursday and Friday.

The Canadian official's remarks came after Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal, citing his "good relationship" with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canada seeks relief from US tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum, which have negatively impacted its economy and strained bilateral trade ties.

should be able to have a deal with Canada

— Donald TrumpUS President Donald Trump commenting on the trade negotiations.

Details of the proposed agreement suggest that US tariffs might be reduced in some areas but not entirely removed. Saskatchewan's Premier Scott Moe noted that a return to the pre-Trump "status quo" is unlikely. Trade lawyer Ryan Majerus believes that Washington's willingness to reduce sector-specific tariffs "dramatically increases the potential of a deal," adding that "both sides want an off-ramp here."

I think both sides want an off-ramp here

— Ryan MajerusA trade lawyer at King & Spalding commenting on the potential for a deal.

Canada's opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the potential deal, stating that "one-sided tariffs on Canadian industry would be a bad deal." Regional leaders also highlighted US irritation over Canada's removal of US alcohol and wine from liquor stores, a retaliatory measure that Prime Minister Carney asked provinces to reverse.

one-sided tariffs on Canadian industry would be a bad deal

— Pierre PoilievreLeader of Canada's opposition Conservative Party commenting on the trade talks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog