Trump: US-Canada trade deal could come “fairly soon”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Canada is eager to reach a new trade agreement with the United States and suggested a deal could be reached “fairly soon,” despite an escalating tariff dispute between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting at Farmleigh House, Trump said Ottawa was seeking an agreement and repeated his criticism of Canadian trade policies affecting U.S. farmers, Irish RTE reports. 

“Canada wants to make a deal very badly,” Trump said.

“Canada has to treat our farmers better. They can't charge our farmers tariffs,” Mr Trump said, adding: “You'll probably see a deal with Canada fairly soon.”

The comments come after trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa broke down in August. U.S. trade negotiator Jamieson Greer said Canada had rejected a bilateral agreement that Washington considered favourable.

The United States subsequently imposed 50% import duties on certain categories of Canadian goods from August 22. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by suspending negotiations and announcing retaliatory tariffs, describing the dispute as a “trade war” initiated by Washington.

Trump later announced plans to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, auto parts and steel from January 1, 2027.

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods took effect on September 8, further escalating the trade dispute between the two North American neighbours.

By Sabina Mammadli