US and Canada Negotiate Trade Deal Ahead of Tariff Deadline

The United States and Canada are racing to finalize a trade agreement before a midnight deadline in Washington to prevent the imposition of steep new US tariffs. Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's minister responsible for trade with the United States, stated that more work remains and the job is not finished. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the two nations should be able to reach a deal, citing his good relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

If a deal is not reached, tariffs would take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Saturday. These include threatened 50% duties on certain Canadian products, which had been subject to a three day pause. Reports indicate the potential agreement would reduce US tariffs on Canadian made vehicles from 25% to 15% and halve duties on Canadian steel and aluminum to 25%.

Former Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng expressed hope for a deal while suggesting Canada should continue diversifying trade relationships with Asian partners such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia. However, Prime Minister Carney may face domestic challenges. A Leger poll found that 56% of Canadians want the government to take a hard line and make no further concessions. While Quebec Premier Christine Frechette said she would assess the deal, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stated that Canada should continue to fight.