White House Says US-Canada Trade Talks Are Advancing, Final Deal Near

Trade talks between the US and Canada have accelerated in recent days, fueling expectations that the two countries are nearing an agreement.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told Fox News that negotiations with Canada are picking up speed and that he believes the two sides are very close to a final deal, Bloomberg reported on October 25. He added that US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick negotiated with Canadian officials throughout last week.

Whether the talks will end in an agreement remains uncertain. A US government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said discussions have become more active recently, but Washington still considers Canada's proposals insufficient. President Donald Trump also plans to approve a deal only if conditions favorable to the US are met.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney previously said he had discussed the trade negotiations with Trump and was willing to enter talks if the US was ready to proceed. He stressed, however, that any agreement must serve Canada's interests.

Meanwhile, the US government has decided to exempt some Canadian products from tariffs. According to Republican Senator Susan Collins, the US will eliminate the 50% tariffs it had imposed on Canadian plywood, bleached paper, paperboard and specialized agricultural machinery. The move follows the collapse of tariff talks between the two countries in August.

The White House said the tariff adjustment is intended to support Maine's economy. Collins, who is seeking re-election in the November 3 midterm elections, has emphasized that lower tariffs would help local consumers and businesses.

The Canadian government is reviewing the US tariff action. Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's minister responsible for trade negotiations, said Canada is prepared to work constructively and in good faith to build a mutually beneficial trade relationship that respects its national interests.