US-Canada trade talks ‘intense’ as new tariff deadline looms

Intense trade talks are underway as Canada seeks to avoid fresh US tariffs set to take effect within 48 hours. Canadian negotiators have been in Washington for a week, attempting to reach an agreement before the imminent 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports. Prime Minister Mark Carney has maintained a tight-lipped approach to the negotiations, emphasizing the delicacy and intensity of the discussions.

Canada is negotiating from a position of strength, but the stakes are high for the government to secure a deal before the financial squeeze from the Trump administration hits. Despite numerous meetings between Canadian negotiators and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, a final agreement has yet to be reached. Both sides have acknowledged the difficulty of the talks, with Trump referring to Canada as "nasty" on trade.

The US is seeking concessions such as removing retaliatory tariffs on American autos, adjusting dairy quotas, and lifting the ban on US alcohol sales imposed by Canadian provinces. However, achieving these concessions may prove challenging, as provinces control alcohol sales and Quebec Premier Christine Frechette has stated that supply management is non-negotiable.

A recent poll shows that 74% of Canadians feel the trade dispute has affected their household, with 36% advocating for counter-tariffs despite the potential economic pain. Carney has stated that he will not sign a deal unless it benefits Canada, and has plans for any scenario. Conservative trade critic Shuvaloy Majumdar called for relief from economic anxiety.