Carney and Trump Order Rapid Trade Talks as Tariff Relief Remains Uncertain
Canada says negotiating teams will press on in Washington without a U.S. commitment to roll back elevated tariffs.
Overview
- Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Donald Trump in Washington on October 7 and both directed their teams to quickly conclude the necessary trade agreements.
- Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc will remain in Washington for several days to continue detailed negotiations following the leaders' meeting.
- Canadian officials caution they do not expect immediate easing of U.S. duties, though they acknowledge Trump's unpredictability.
- U.S. tariffs on some Canadian goods were raised from 25% to 35% after talks stalled by August 1, and steel and aluminum face 50% rates.
- Trump offered no clear signal on reducing tariffs after the talks, though he praised Carney as a very good leader.