U.S. President Donald Trump, who is currently in trade negotiations with various countries including Canada, told reporters on July 25 that “we have no agreement with Canada.”
On July 10, the U.S. sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing that it would impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1. It also indicated that it could raise the tariffs further if Canada retaliates. However, the tariffs would only apply to products not included in the free trade agreement between the two countries.
President Trump said he expects agreements to be reached with most countries by the August 1 deadline and noted that negotiations are progressing with the European Union, China, and Australia, but added, “With Canada, things aren’t going so well. Canada may just end up paying tariffs.” He did not mention any specific factors that are impeding the negotiations.
Canada is already being hit by US tariffs on steel, aluminium and autos, with copper tariffs expected to take effect on August 1.
On the previous day, the 24th, US Trade Minister Dominic Le Blanc said he felt “good” after meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and bipartisan senators. Minister Le Blanc said the closed-door negotiations with the US were “complex” and suggested that an agreement may not be reached by August 1. Prime Minister Carney also said on the 22nd, “We will not accept anything unless it’s an agreement worth signing.”