LeBlanc has ‘constructive’ meeting with U.S. counterpart as trade talks continue
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on Tuesday morning for what was described as a “constructive [and] lengthy” meeting, according to the minister’s office.
The meeting comes at a critical time as the two countries have been unable to reach a trade agreement since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs earlier this year. Despite the initial plan for a one-hour meeting, the discussion extended to 90 minutes, indicating the importance of the negotiations.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would be removing some retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products to align with American tariff exemptions under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). However, tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles will remain in place.
President Trump recently increased tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by CUSMA to 35 percent. This has been a point of contention in the ongoing trade talks between the two nations.
Accompanying Minister LeBlanc in Washington are Marc-André Blanchard, the prime minister’s chief of staff, and Michael Sabia, the clerk of the Privy Council. The focus of the negotiations is on sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on key Canadian exports like steel, softwood lumber, aluminum, and auto parts.
Prime Minister Carney emphasized the importance of improving outcomes in these sectors through cooperation. He is also planning a visit to Mexico next month to address trade relations with both Mexico and the U.S., as all three countries have been impacted by tariffs and threats from the U.S. since last year.
In an effort to diversify trade relations and reduce dependence on the U.S., the Canadian government is looking to strengthen economic ties with Mexico. This initiative was kickstarted by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne during a recent visit to Mexico City.
As the CUSMA agreement is set for review next year, Carney’s visit to Mexico and the ongoing negotiations with the U.S. are crucial in shaping the future of trade relations between the three countries. The focus remains on resolving sectoral tariffs and finding mutually beneficial solutions for all parties involved.
