US-Canada trade talks 'intense' as new tariff deadline looms

Intense trade negotiations are under way in the United States and Canada as the deadline for a new round of tariffs looms. With less than 48 hours until the tariffs take effect, Canadian officials are pushing to reach an agreement before the 50% tariffs on around $20bn (C$28bn) worth of Canadian imports go into effect on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has been tight-lipped about the negotiations, citing the delicate nature of the talks, but his team is under pressure to secure a deal before the tariffs take hold. Despite several meetings between Canadian negotiators and US Trade Representative Jamie Rogers, a final agreement has yet to be reached. Both sides have made it clear that the talks have been tough, with US President Trump describing Canada as "nasty" and warning that further toughening of trade measures could come if no deal is reached.

The US is seeking concessions from Canada, including removing retaliatory tariffs on American autos, adjusting dairy quotas, and lifting a ban on US alcohol sales that has been in place since last year. Canada's dairy sector is a particular target, with many Canadians boycotting US products in response to Trump's tariffs. Prime Minister Carney will need to secure the support of provinces, which control alcohol sales, and face pushback from provinces like Quebec, where dairy supply management is non-negotiable.

A recent poll shows that 74% of Canadians feel the trade dispute has impacted their household, with 36% wanting Canada to respond with new counter-tariffs, even if it risks economic hardship.