Overview

• Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington and left saying the talks were constructive and lengthy.
• Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador and chief negotiator, will continue detailed discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on sector-specific proposals.
• Ottawa has moved to lift many retaliatory tariffs by mirroring CUSMA exemptions, with the changes taking effect on Sept. 1.
• Countermeasures on steel, aluminum and autos remain in place, even as the United States maintains higher sectoral duties that include 50 percent on steel and aluminum and 35 percent broad tariffs announced Aug. 1.
• LeBlanc has signaled the talks could include a broader package involving potential investment opportunities in areas such as defence and security to secure tariff relief.