Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Resume at Political Level Ahead of Midterm Elections
After nearly two months of stalemate, Canada and the United States have resumed trade discussions at the political level. While some tariffs on Canadian goods have been lifted, new duties were imposed, and skepticism remains about finalizing a deal before the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections.
Trade talks between the United States and Canada are moving quickly at the political level after almost two months of stalemate. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic Leblanc is leading the Canadian side in recent discussions, though formal negotiations between trade representatives have not yet taken place.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada has clear bottom lines and red lines, refusing to sign what was offered in August. The previous round of talks collapsed in late August due to U.S. demands limiting Canada's ability to enter trade deals with other countries and water down French language requirements.
Sources express skepticism that a deal can be completed before the American midterm elections on Nov. 3. President Donald Trump's tariff war has become a political issue for Republicans in key Senate races in Michigan and Maine.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins revealed that Trump agreed to lift tariffs on Canadian corrugated paper, plastic boxes, and several types of agricultural machinery. However, while lifting some tariffs, the U.S. imposed new ones on Canadian goods including cocoa powder, paints, shampoos, vinyl flooring, archery equipment, carpets, and 50 per cent tariffs on sewage sludge.