Canada has intensified trade negotiations with the United States as Ottawa seeks to prevent a new round of U.S. tariffs scheduled to take effect on August 19.
Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade relations, met U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Tuesday, marking their third meeting in three weeks as the deadline approaches.
Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator Janice Charette also participated in the discussions.
Following the meeting, LeBlanc said Canada remains committed to negotiations and will continue working to advance and defend Canadian interests.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced last month that Washington would impose 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian products, citing Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S. automobiles and steel, along with decisions by some Canadian provinces not to stock American alcohol.
According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the proposed tariffs would affect nearly US$20 billion worth of Canadian imports, representing approximately 5.2% of the US$383 billion in goods the United States imported from Canada in 2025.
Unlike some earlier tariff measures, goods covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement would not be exempt from the new duties, significantly increasing the potential impact on cross-border trade.
The tariffs could also add pressure to Canada’s economic recovery if they take effect as planned.
With just days remaining before the deadline, Ottawa and Was
