Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the U.S. Trade Representative are working together to present a potential trade deal to President Donald Trump before his upcoming tariff deadline. The aim is to provide Trump with enough time to make a decision before new tariffs on Canadian imports take effect on August 19.
LeBlanc recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington for the third time in three weeks. Following the meeting, LeBlanc stated that discussions are ongoing, and both parties remain committed to negotiations.
Efforts are being made to prevent new tariffs on Canadian goods and seek relief from existing sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Additionally, Canada is hopeful for an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration opted not to renew the deal in July.
Concerns have been raised about trade irritants, including Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies and alleged discrimination against U.S. products. The new tariffs would impact about five percent of Canadian exports to the U.S., covering a variety of goods such as alcohol, hockey sticks, and cement.
Conservative MPs are urging the Canadian government to secure a favorable trade agreement with the U.S., emphasizing the need for strong negotiation tactics and tangible results. There is a call for zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and exemptions to Buy America rules on infrastructure projects at all government levels.