Canada Pushes for Single Deal as U.S. 50% Tariffs Loom

Overview

• Canada’s lead negotiators are in Washington and Ottawa describes talks as constructive while Prime Minister Mark Carney said the government is ready to “get tougher” if no deal is reached before Aug. 19.
• Ottawa is seeking one broad agreement that rescinds U.S. tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum and forest products rather than piecemeal, sector‑by‑sector fixes.
• Media reports say negotiators have revived a proposal to accept export quotas on steel and aluminum in exchange for tariff relief but that idea has not been confirmed by officials.
• Carney has publicly ruled out using oil and gas exports as leverage and says Canada retains other response options if the tariffs take effect.
• The dispute has sharpened public rhetoric between leaders, prompted criticism from opposition politicians and risks higher costs and supply‑chain pain for manufacturers and consumers if tariffs hit.