Trump’s trade chief says U.S. is ‘holding fast’ as Canada talks continue
Canadian and American officials remain at an impasse as negotiations continue between both countries.
Trump’s top trade negotiator says Washington is standing firm in talks with Canada, putting Ottawa under renewed pressure to turn negotiations into an agreement.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC on Thursday that contacts continue at senior levels between the two countries. He suggested Quebec’s recent election was preoccupying Canadian officials, according to Reuters.
“When the Canadians want to get to yes, obviously we’ll be there ready to talk,” Greer said.
The message comes amid a trade dispute that has already produced tariffs and targeted import restrictions on both sides of the border. Washington’s complaints centre on Canadian treatment of American alcohol, dairy products and vehicles.
In a July 20 statement, Greer accused Canada of removing U.S. alcohol from store shelves, giving European dairy products better market access and limiting vehicle exports from companies moving production to America.
That same announcement outlined additional 50% tariffs on nearly US$20 billion in Canadian imports, scheduled to take effect 30 days later. The actions addressed disputes involving motor vehicles, alcohol and dairy.
In a September 8 statement, Greer accused Canada of abandoning a near-final agreement and retaliating against U.S. exports. His office announced targeted import bans and changes to the July tariffs, framing the measures as a response to Canadian discrimination.
Ottawa has presented its approach differently. An October 2 government release said International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu promoted predictable trade and opportunities for Canadian businesses at the G20 meeting in Milwaukee. It confirmed that Sidhu met Greer and other international counterparts.
Sidhu also promoted expanding Canada’s trading relationships, saying, “Canada has what the world wants.”
For Canadians, the test is whether diplomatic meetings and promises of new markets produce practical relief for businesses caught in the dispute. Exporters need terms they can plan around, and workers need more than optimistic government messaging.
Yanky Pollak
Videographer
Yaakov “Yanky” Pollak is an energetic community activist. Yaakov has been involved in many political campaigns, loves photography, and enjoys spending some free time at the shooting range. Originally from Montreal, Yanky escaped Canadian tyranny moving to the free state of Florida during the pandemic of 2021.
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