Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Intensify, but Sources Say No Deal Is Imminent
Trade discussions between Canada and the United States have accelerated through frequent calls between officials, yet sources indicate a wide gap remains and an agreement is not imminent. While U.S. officials suggest a deal is close ahead of midterm elections, Canadian negotiators state detailed talks are not yet underway at the table.
Trade discussions between Canada and the United States have intensified in recent days, but sources say a deal is not imminent due to unresolved key elements. The trade war is dominating the final days of the U.S. midterm campaign, with the elections just one week away.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc stayed in Ottawa over the weekend because of increased calls with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Industry stakeholders also received calls from senior federal government members regarding the status of the trade discussions.
Despite the heightened communication, Janice Charette, Canada's chief trade negotiator, stated that while doors are open, conversations are not currently happening at the negotiating table. Canadian sources maintain that the gap between the two sides remains too wide for an agreement to be on the verge.
U.S. officials have offered a different assessment. President Donald Trump claimed at a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, that a trade deal with Canada would be settled soon. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, suggested that negotiations picked up after the referendum vote in Alberta and that a deal is very close.
On Friday, President Trump removed some tariffs on Canadian goods while imposing new tariffs on others, reportedly to assist Maine Senator Susan Collins' campaign. Polls show Trump's dispute with Canada is deeply unpopular among American voters in both major parties.
In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford addressed the provincial alcohol ban tied to the broader dispute. Ford stated he would put American booze back on LCBO shelves immediately if a fair deal for steelworkers, autoworkers, and manufacturing workers was achieved.