White House Says Trade Talks With Canada Are Making Progress

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Sunday, 25 October, that trade talks between the United States and Canada have picked up pace and are "gaining momentum". He made the remarks in an interview with Fox News, as cited by Bloomberg. The negotiations involve two close economic partners whose trade relations have been strained by tariffs and retaliatory measures in recent months.

According to Hassett, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick held talks with his Canadian counterparts throughout the week. The White House adviser asserted that the two countries are "very close to finally striking a deal".

Background

According to the source, trade talks between the two countries reached a deadlock in August, and the US imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. US President Donald Trump renamed Lake Ontario "Lake America" and mocked Canada on social media.

On 25 August, Canada announced it would introduce new tariffs on imports from the US, which took effect on 8 September. Trump then signed orders banning imports from Canada of a wide range of alcoholic drinks, motorcycles and dairy products, in response to Ottawa's tariffs.

Hassett's statement suggests an agreement may be within reach, but no specific terms or deadlines were mentioned.