Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit Washington for the second time this year, with the aim of reinforcing trade negotiations. These talks have been ongoing but have faced delays, surpassing an August deadline initially established. Details regarding the negotiations and specific sticking points remain limited. Notably, Canada has not yet secured a trade deal with the Trump administration this year, unlike its G7 counterparts, although Ottawa does not express urgency due to exemptions under the US-Canada-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (USMCA).
Carney’s visit occurs amid renewed comments from President Trump regarding the possibility of Canada becoming a US state. Additionally, leaders in Canada’s political opposition have implied that lacking a trade agreement from this trip would be a failure. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc indicated that “progress” is being achieved, and there are expectations of potential relief from current US tariffs on steel. However, sources suggest there is frustration with the ambiguity surrounding what a trade and security deal might entail.
At a recent White House event, Trump mentioned possible discussions on tariffs but maintained his stance on current trade policies, noting a trend of Canadian companies moving to the US. Carney faces domestic pressure to negotiate a favorable deal, particularly as certain sectors like steel and lumber suffer from high tariffs imposed by the US. Critics from the Canadian Parliament have urged Carney to deliver substantial results during this meeting.
The upcoming discussions also coincide with the beginning of evaluations regarding the USMCA. US officials have expressed interest in negotiating broader agreements with Canada, potentially involving defense matters. Carney’s government strives to navigate public sentiment favoring a cautious approach to US relations, as surveys indicate widespread distrust towards American intentions. There is a consensus among experts that a trade agreement is vital for Canada’s economy, given that a significant portion of its goods are exported to the US.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn76424yd2mo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss