Ottawa: Canada and the US have yet to reach a consensus on a trade deal as the deadline for new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump draws near. However, Canada has intensified efforts to reach an urgent agreement with the US. Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Chief Trade Negotiator Janice Charette will meet again with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. This will be their fourth meeting in the past three weeks and the second one this week.
Trump has warned that a 50 percent additional tariff will be imposed on hundreds of Canadian products starting August 19. On Tuesday, Canada rejected the latest proposals put forward by the United States. Canada toughened its stance by explicitly stating that the US’s new offer of exemptions on certain sector-specific duties was unsatisfactory. The United States is primarily demanding prioritized access to Canada’s critical minerals, along with cooperation in the energy and security sectors. In return, Canada is attempting to secure maximum relief on existing duties for steel, aluminum, timber, and automobiles.
Both representatives are striving to submit a dynamic outline of a potential deal before Donald Trump by Monday. Canada has warned that if the taxes come into effect on August 19, further negotiations will hold no relevance.
The US government has raised the threat of new taxes citing issues such as the removal of US liquor from provincial stores, as well as Canada’s discrimination against vehicles and dairy products.
