Canada says more work needed as US trade deal deadline looms
Washington and Ottawa are pushing to finalize an agreement before steep new US tariffs were due to kick in on Saturday. President Donald Trump has said the US "should be able to have a deal with Canada."
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated on Friday that a trade deal with the United States was still not finalized and that more work was needed. The US and Canada have been striving to reach an agreement before the imposition of higher US tariffs on July 1. LeBlanc emphasized that their job was not complete and that they would continue working until the very last minute.
He made these remarks following discussions with US Trade Representative Jamie Greer. President Donald Trump had previously expressed a desire for a deal with Canada, citing his positive relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney. In July, Trump had threatened to impose 50% duties on certain Canadian products, but later announced a three-day pause due to significant progress in the talks.
If a deal is not reached, tariffs would take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT) on Saturday. The proposed deal aims to lower US tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles from 25% to 15% and reduce duties on Canadian steel and aluminum to 25%. The US currently accounts for around 70% of Canadian exports, making Canada susceptible to US trade actions.
Even if a deal is reached, Prime Minister Carney may face challenges in convincing Canadians and provincial leaders to support it. A recent Leger poll revealed that 56% of Canadians wish the government to take a firm stance and make no additional concessions to the US. Prime Minister Carney has urged provinces to reconsider their stance on lifting a Canadian alcohol boycott imposed last year in response to US tariffs on Canadian goods.
Quebec Premier Christine Frechette stated she would evaluate the deal before forming an opinion, while Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called for Canada to continue fighting.
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