Canadian trade minister says reaching deal with U.S. in best interest for both countries
To discuss the trade war and deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Canada, Amna Nawaz spoke with Canadian trade representative Dominic LeBlanc, a central figure in negotiations with the United States.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said that the U.S. and Canada were close to reaching a trade agreement just days ago, but negotiations have since failed. President Trump announced a deal on Wednesday, but on Friday, the deadline for imposing 50% tariffs on almost $28 billion of Canadian exports was set. LeBlanc mentioned three significant issues that prevented an agreement: auto tariff reductions, treatment of steel and aluminum derivative products.
The U.S. proposed reducing the tariff on cars, steel, and aluminum, but LeBlanc believed that these changes were insufficient for Canada's economic interests. LeBlanc expressed concern that a trade war would damage both countries' economies. He stated that a deal is still possible, but Canada would target sectors facing the latest round of Section 338 tariffs, such as steel, paper products, and aluminum derivative products.
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