Overview
- Canadian trade minister Dominic LeBlanc, chief negotiator Janice Charette and Ambassador Mark Wiseman have stepped up high-level meetings with U.S. trade officials to seek relief from proposed tariffs.
- The Canadian government says the United States intends to impose large Section 338 tariffs and other sectoral levies starting August 19 and is seeking exemptions that would spare affected exporters.
- LeBlanc and Charette have met U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer multiple times in recent weeks as Ottawa races to resolve disputes and press for progress on a broadened CUSMA modernization agenda.
- Officials updated the Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations and are consulting provinces, industry and labour to weigh the economic impact on autos, farmers, manufacturers and workers.
- No public deal has been announced and negotiations remain urgent with the government saying it will continue intensive engagement to protect Canadian businesses and households.