LeBlanc Returns to Washington as Canada, U.S. Race to Reach Trade Deal
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Canada’s minister responsible for trade relations with the United States, Dominic LeBlanc, is returning to Washington on Thursday, August 20, for another meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as negotiations intensify over a potential agreement aimed at preventing a new round of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
LeBlanc and Greer are scheduled to meet at 12:15 p.m. Eastern Time, joined by Canada’s chief trade negotiator Janice Charette. The meeting marks a second consecutive day of direct talks between senior Canadian and U.S. trade officials.
The two sides reported significant progress following Wednesday’s discussions. U.S. President Donald Trump earlier postponed the introduction of new 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods until Saturday, giving negotiators additional time to try to reach an agreement.
Under proposals being discussed, U.S. tariffs on Canadian built cars and trucks could be reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent. Tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum could also be cut from 50 percent to 25 percent, although the final terms of any agreement have not yet been announced.
The negotiations are aimed at easing months of trade tensions between the two countries and resolving disputes involving vehicles, steel, aluminum and other Canadian exports. Several issues remain under discussion, including automotive content rules, Canadian dairy policies and restrictions imposed by some provinces on U.S. alcohol imports.
In a parallel diplomatic meeting on Thursday, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is also expected to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington as the two governments continue high level discussions.
