Canada and U.S. trade officials meet to negotiate tariff avoidance

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met in Washington for the second time this week as Canada seeks to avert new tariffs scheduled to take effect on August 19. This marks the fourth meeting between LeBlanc and Greer in three weeks.

President Donald Trump has announced 50 percent tariffs on various Canadian imports. Unlike previous measures, these tariffs would not include exemptions for goods covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The U.S. administration has cited Canadian provincial bans on U.S. liquor, the dairy supply management system, and vehicle quotas as reasons for the threatened duties.

Canadian provincial leaders have expressed concern regarding the potential impact. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for a “fair deal” to protect the automotive, steel, aluminum, forestry, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors, suggesting that Canada should match tariffs if necessary. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette noted that some industries could enter “survival mode” if the tariffs are implemented.