Canada govt source says US also keen on trade deal before Aug 19 deadline

A Canadian government source familiar with ongoing trade negotiations with the United States stated on Thursday that discussions were moving forward successfully, with Washington also expressing interest in reaching a deal before an upcoming US tariff deadline on August 19. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 50 percent tariffs on various Canadian imports as of that date, including products exempted under the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.

According to the source, both nations are aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement before the deadline.

Canadian Trade Relations Minister Dominic LeBlanc will meet with the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for the second time this week, as Canada seeks a trade deal before the tariffs take effect. The meeting will mark LeBlanc's fourth with Greer in the past three weeks, as both countries engage frequently to secure an agreement before the new tariffs are implemented.

Reports earlier this week suggested that relations between the two longstanding trading partners could deteriorate if the US imposes the new tariffs, potentially stalling negotiations. The source emphasized that all matters are on the table, including the relationship between the two nations.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe expressed optimism about recent talks between Canada and the US but urged to keep the broader objective of renewing the USMCA agreement at the forefront. The US Trade Representative's office revealed that the new tariffs, if enacted, would apply to approximately USD20 billion of Canadian imports, accounting for about 5.2 percent of the USD383 billion worth of goods the US imported from Canada in 2025, according to data from the US Census Bureau.