The latest public statements from Washington and Ottawa offered no sign of a restart in U.S.-Canada trade talks, leaving tariff disputes unresolved despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Canada wants a deal.
Trump made the comments during a White House exchange with reporters on Friday, Oct. 23. After saying the United States was close to an agreement with Mexico, he said Canada was working hard to reach a deal with Washington. He added that the United States had “all the cards” in negotiations with both countries, but gave no proposed terms or timetable.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Oct. 21 that Canada was ready to negotiate a fair agreement “when the U.S. is ready to sit down in good faith.” He argued that tariffs were putting pressure on automakers in both countries and leaving consumers with fewer choices.
Ottawa put the talks on hold Aug. 21, with Carney pointing to late changes Washington had made to its offer. The Department of Finance Canada said U.S. tariffs took effect the next day. It announced Canadian counter-tariffs of 15%, 25% and 50% on selected U.S. products, effective Sept. 8.
Carney said Ottawa sought to keep most Canadian businesses exempt from duties, bring greater predictability to the bilateral trade relationship and secure lower U.S. tariffs for key strategic industries. The Department of Finance Canada said its measures aimed to help workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs.
Neither the White House video nor Carney’s remarks said negotiations had restarted or named a date for another round.
