U.S. holds its trade position as Canada seeks relief for key industries
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Washington is maintaining its position in trade negotiations with Canada despite continuing contact between officials, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Thursday, October 8. The talks concern a tariff dispute in which Ottawa has sought relief for major industries, including autos, steel and aluminum.
In an interview with CNBC, Greer said U.S. officials spoke frequently with their Canadian counterparts, including at the highest levels. He said Washington was ready to talk when Canada was prepared to reach an agreement. His reported comments contained no specific breakthrough or timetable for a new deal.
Greer also suggested that Quebec’s recent election was occupying Ottawa’s attention. That was the American official’s assessment; the report did not cite a Canadian announcement suspending contacts because of the election.
Prime Minister Mark Carney had suspended negotiations on August 22 and recalled Canada’s negotiating team, saying the U.S. terms offered at that stage were unacceptable. He outlined Canadian objectives that included preserving tariff-free access for most exports, reducing duties on strategic industries and restoring stability for businesses and workers.
Carney said Canada had been willing to remove its retaliatory tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos if Washington lowered its duties enough to make Canadian exports commercially viable. He also said any agreement had to protect Canadian industries and sovereignty, rather than secure a deal at any price.
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Tahani Elghazaly5344 Posts
