Anticipating some relaxation on steel tariffs, the Canadian delegation prepares for a meeting at the White House between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The objective is to use any potential relief on steel tariffs as a model for reducing other existing tariffs imposed on Canada, as revealed by three Canadian sources speaking to CBC News and Radio-Canada.
The sources, who remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that Trump initially invited Carney during their informal meeting in New York City at the UN General Assembly in September. Subsequent discussions between Canadian and U.S. teams solidified the meeting date for Tuesday.
This meeting is seen as an opportunity for Carney to mend relations with Trump following a challenging summer marked by missed trade deadlines, new tariffs on Canada, and tensions over issues like Canada’s digital services tax.
While the ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. are viewed positively by the sources, there is a sense of apprehension due to the unpredictable nature of Trump’s decisions.
Typically, such a high-level meeting would involve the announcement of finalized agreements or plans.
The sources are cautious about setting specific goals, considering the unpredictability of Trump’s decision-making process and the potential for unexpected reversals.
Canada has faced a series of tariffs from the U.S., resulting in job losses and economic challenges. However, there have been selective exemptions aimed at easing certain trade pressures.
Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, indicates ongoing discussions regarding U.S. sectoral tariffs on Canadian goods with no mention of including them in the upcoming CUSMA review.
Current steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada stand at 50%, with no exemptions. While no world leader has successfully negotiated an exemption from these tariffs, countries like the U.K., which have reached broad trade agreements with the U.S., enjoy lower rates.
Expectations are not set on a comprehensive trade agreement announcement, but there is