Adviser says deal is near
U.S. officials indicate that a trade deal with Canada is nearing completion despite recent tariff escalations. Negotiations have been complicated by internal Canadian political tensions, including regional separatist sentiments.
Why it matters
The trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada is vital for North American economic stability, and current tariff disputes have significant implications for cross-border commerce.
Canada and the U.S. are “very close” to a trade deal, a key adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump said, days after the White House imposed new tariffs on Canadian goods and dropped others.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett made the remark during an interview on Fox News Sunday. He said U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had been speaking with his Canadian counterparts through last week, and that the two sides are nearing an accord.
“The negotiations have picked up. They’re gathering steam,” Hassett said.
Asked why Trump’s tariff policy had not yet resulted in a deal, the adviser blamed the “Canadian election that just happened, including Alberta separating,” for the impasse. Earlier this week, Albertans voted against holding a binding referendum on leaving Canada.
That had made it “essentially impossible to negotiate with the Canadians,” he said.
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