LeBlanc returns to Washington as Trump downplays CUSMA talks
Canada-U.S. trade talks return to Washington as tariff tensions rise Ottawa pushes for a broader deal on steel, lumber and autos
CanadaU.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is back in Washington as Ottawa continues efforts to reach a trade breakthrough with the Trump administration. Chief trade negotiator Janice Charette is accompanying him, according to LeBlanc’s office.
The talks come as U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not care whether the CanadaU.S.Mexico Agreement is updated, arguing that the United States does not need the deal. His comments follow months of friction over trade between the two countries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada wants a broader trade agreement that would address CUSMA issues as well as U.S. tariffs on key sectors including steel, aluminum, lumber and autos. The negotiations are taking place ahead of a scheduled Aug. 19 deadline for new U.S. tariffs on some Canadian goods.