U.S. Trade Representative Expresses Pessimism on Canada Deal at G20 Meeting
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described outstanding issues in U.S.-Canada trade talks as 'quite difficult' during the G20 meeting in Milwaukee, downplaying President Trump's suggestion that a deal could be reached within weeks.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer expressed pessimism about reaching a trade agreement with Canada, telling reporters at the G20 meeting of trade ministers in Milwaukee that a handful of outstanding issues remain "quite difficult" to resolve. 
Greer downplayed President Donald Trump's recent assertion that a deal with Canada could come together within a month. Emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the timeline, Greer highlighted the word "may" when addressing the president's comments.
The bilateral trade negotiations stalled in August after Prime Minister Mark Carney pulled Canadian negotiators back from Washington. The withdrawal followed last-minute American changes to the proposed agreement that Canada deemed unworkable.
Among the points of contention were proposed U.S. tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Canada raised concerns that these tariffs threatened General Motors production in Oshawa, Ontario, where Chevrolet Silverados are produced, and imperiled planned Ford F-250 production in Oakville, Ontario.
Prime Minister Carney also rejected proposed deal language that would have limited the Canadian government's ability to make trade deals with other countries, viewing the provision as a compromise of sovereignty.
While the U.S. administration has argued that its tariff policies are boosting industrial employment, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiled by the Economic Policy Institute shows 62,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since Trump took office for his second term in January 2025. 
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu met with Greer in Wisconsin during the gathering. Sidhu described the conversation as very cordial but stressed that Canada wants a good deal.