Ottawa | Reuters — A Canadian government source directly familiar with trade negotiations with the United States said on Thursday that talks were progressing well and Washington also wanted an agreement before a new U.S. tariff deadline on August 19.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would impose new 50 per cent tariffs on a range of Canadian imports from August 19, including goods that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico free trade agreement.
“What I’m seeing right now in terms of the negotiations, it seems to go quite well,” said the government source who did not wish to be named.
“We are also seeing some positive aspects from the U.S. too. They also want to come to an agreement before the deadline of August 19th. This is also their goal. It’s not just for us,” the source said.
Canadian minister responsible for U.S. trade relations, Dominic LeBlanc, met U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for the second time this week on Thursday, LeBlanc’s office said in a statement, as Ottawa seeks a trade deal before U.S. tariffs take effect next week.
Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, will also attend the meeting, his office said.
The meeting was LeBlanc’s fourth with Greer in three weeks, as Canadian and U.S. officials hold frequent talks aimed at reaching an agreement before the new tariffs take effect next week.
“Negotiations are ongoing, and we continue to advance Canada’s interests,” LeBlanc said in a post on X.
Source : Ag Canada