Trump and Carney hail progress as negotiators work to complete agreement
Canada and the United States say they are finalising a major trade deal after days of intense negotiations, with President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney describing the progress as a success.
The agreement comes after Trump paused a new wave of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods that had been due to take effect.
Details remain unclear
Despite the positive statements from both leaders, key details of the deal remain unclear, including what concessions each side has made.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said American officials were “very happy” with the latest discussions and would soon brief Congress and US stakeholders on the agreement.
He said the deal would protect American workers, jobs and supply chains while strengthening the North American economy.
Trump highlights agriculture
Trump said Canada had agreed to eliminate tariffs on US farmers, although he did not specify which agricultural sectors would benefit.
Asked whether the US would also reduce tariffs on Canadian goods, Trump said they would be lowered “by a little bit”.
Carney said the agreement would secure favourable terms for Canada’s strategic sectors and provide greater certainty for future trade between the two countries.
Dairy remains a sticking point
Canada has been seeking reductions in US tariffs on steel, aluminium, automobiles and lumber.
Washington has meanwhile pushed Canada to remove retaliatory tariffs on American autos, increase access for US dairy products and lift restrictions on American alcohol sales.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the country’s dairy supply management system would remain “entirely intact”.
Businesses seek certainty
Canadian negotiators have been working in Washington for more than a week as both countries seek to avoid further economic disruption.
Business groups on both sides of the border have welcomed progress, warning that additional tariffs could increase costs and hurt both economies.
