Canada, U.S. Expected to Hold High-Level Talks Amid Tariff Dispute
Ottawa, The Gulf Observer: Canadian Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Canada-U.S. Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, has announced that Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to engage in direct talks “in the coming days” regarding a potential trade agreement, amid rising tensions over Washington’s newly imposed 35 percent tariffs.
Speaking to the media, Minister LeBlanc expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for reaching a mutually beneficial deal. “We are encouraged by our conversations with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer,” LeBlanc stated. “But we are not at the point where we need to be to make a deal that is in the best interests of our economies.”
The newly implemented U.S. tariffs have sparked concern among Canadian industries and investors, prompting Ottawa to seek constructive engagement with Washington to resolve the dispute through diplomacy and negotiation.
Minister LeBlanc emphasized that the Canadian government remains committed to securing an agreement that would not only reduce some of the imposed duties but also offer greater predictability and stability for cross-border investment.
“We believe it is possible to reach an agreement that provides greater certainty for businesses and reduces the burdens currently affecting our trade relationship,” he added.
The anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Carney and President Trump is expected to be a key moment in efforts to de-escalate trade tensions and preserve the close economic partnership between the two neighboring nations.
