US ambassador to Canada optimistic about trade talks ahead of deadline

The US ambassador to Canada expressed optimism over ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, suggesting that a fair deal is likely to be reached soon. 

Speaking at an Independence Day event in Ottawa, Pete Hoekstra highlighted the efforts of leaders on both sides, referring to the negotiations involving US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Caliber.Az reports, citing Bloomberg.

“We’ve got two guys that are negotiating for each of our countries,” Hoekstra told the audience. “When they get done, I’m confident that they can both go back to their people and their citizens and say, ‘I got a great deal for Canada’ — and I think we’ll have a president who will say, ‘I have a great deal for the USA.’”

“That means we have a great win-win,” he added.

The US, Canada and Mexico countries currently operate under an existing trade agreement, originally signed by Trump during his first term. However, the president has imposed import tariffs of 50 per cent on foreign steel and aluminum, along with levies on cars and trucks—products of significant export value for Canada.

In response, the Canadian government has imposed counter-tariffs on tens of billions of dollars’ worth of US-manufactured goods, including vehicles and various consumer products. Despite this, Carney, who assumed office as Canada’s prime minister in March, chose not to retaliate when the US increased tariffs on steel and aluminum earlier this year.

Both leaders have agreed to a July 21 deadline to finalise a new trade agreement.

“We’re going to get through this,” Hoekstra said. “When we are done, we are going to be stronger and better than what we were when we began.”

Michigan, Hoekstra’s home state, is particularly reliant on trade with Canada, underscoring the importance of a mutually beneficial deal between the two neighbors.

By Sabina Mammadli