Carney Reports Progress in U.S.-Canada Trade Talks as Key Demands Are Dropped
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the United States is 'asking less and offering more' in resumed trade negotiations, with previous demands on French-language content rules and independent trade deals removed. Automobile tariffs remain a sticking point ahead of a planned meeting between Carney and President Donald Trump at the APEC summit in China.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reported progress in trade negotiations with the United States, stating that Washington is "asking less and offering more" following a period of intense talks. However, he emphasized that more work is needed before any agreement is finalized.
Carney made the comments while attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. According to the prime minister, U.S. negotiators have backed off positions regarding rules ensuring French-language content discoverability on streaming platforms, as well as proposals restricting Canada's ability to strike trade deals with other countries.
These issues were among the factors that led formal trade talks between Canada and the U.S. to collapse in August. The breakdown triggered new tariffs on both sides, affecting $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. The collapse was also partly due to the U.S. refusing to extend tariff relief to medium- and heavy-duty trucks, a dispute that threatened the viability of General Motors and Ford plants in Ontario.
While the removal of certain U.S. demands signals headway, automobiles are expected to remain a key sticking point in the resumed negotiations.
President Donald Trump, whose administration faces pressure over economic concerns including the cost of living and tariffs ahead of midterm elections, told Fox News that his team was nearing a trade agreement with Canada.
Carney plans to meet President Trump at the APEC summit in China later this month.