Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Face Deadline Pressure as LeBlanc Urges Patience

 

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc wrapped up two days of high-stakes meetings in Washington with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and several Republican senators, signaling that while progress has been made, a final trade agreement remains elusive.

LeBlanc described the discussions as “productive and cordial,” but emphasized that negotiators “have a lot of work in front of us” before a deal can be finalized. The talks come amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose 35% tariffs on Canadian exports if no agreement is reached by August 1.

Despite the looming deadline, LeBlanc insisted that Canada would not rush into a deal. “Canadians expect us to take the time necessary to get the best deal we can in the interest of Canadian workers,” he said. Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this sentiment earlier in the week, stating that his government’s goal is “not to reach a deal whatever it costs”.

The Canadian delegation, which included Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, met with five Republican senators to discuss trade, border security, and defense cooperation. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska noted the importance of the bilateral relationship, saying Canada should not be treated “as just another country” when it comes to tariffs.

While Trump has recently announced trade frameworks with countries like Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Canada remains cautious. Most Canadian exports to the U.S. already benefit from tariff-free access under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which may soften the impact of Trump’s proposed levies.