National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that negotiators were 'very close' to reaching an agreement that would ease the two countries' tit-for-tat tariffs on an array of goods, a sentiment President Donald Trump later echoed. However, a person close to the talks offered a more cautious assessment, telling Semafor that 'there is always the possibility of a deal if positions change.' Canadian officials also struck a more measured tone. A spokesperson for Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said, 'Canada remains in constructive dialogue with our US counterparts on a range of priorities. We stand ready to work constructively and in good faith towards a more mutually beneficial trading relationship that respects Canada’s interests.' A White House official pointed to Trump’s remarks Friday that Canada 'is working very hard' to strike a trade deal with the US, which he said has 'all the cards.'
US officials say Canada deal is close, talks source is less certain
Person close to talks says 'there is always the possibility of a deal if positions change'
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- The outcome will affect tariffs on a range of goods traded between the US and Canada, impacting businesses and consumers on both sides.
- The negotiations reflect the state of US-Canada economic relations and could set a precedent for other trade deals.
- The current tit-for-tat tariffs have disrupted supply chains and raised costs.
Background
The US and Canada have been engaged in a tit-for-tat tariff dispute on an array of goods. Over the weekend, US officials indicated they were close to an agreement, but a person close to the talks and Canadian officials have provided a more measured assessment.
Key Perspectives
Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council Director: Said negotiators were 'very close' to an agreement, a sentiment President Donald Trump later echoed. Person close to the talks: Said that 'there is always the possibility of a deal if positions change,' suggesting the deal is not as imminent as portrayed. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s spokesperson: Said Canada remains in 'constructive dialogue' and is ready to work 'towards a more mutually beneficial trading relationship that respects Canada’s interests.'
What to Watch
- Whether US and Canadian negotiating positions shift in the coming days.
- Any official confirmation from both governments if a deal is reached.
- The impact on specific goods tariffs if an agreement is announced.
Sources
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedUS officials said a trade deal with Canada was close.Semafor: “National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that negotiators were “very close” to reaching an agreement”
- SupportedA person close to the talks was less certain about a deal.Semafor: “But a person close to the talks threw cold water on that assessment”
- SupportedA person close to the talks said, “there is always the possibility of a deal if positions change.”Semafor: “telling Semafor that “there is always the possibility of a deal if positions change.””
- SupportedCanadian officials described the situation more cautiously than US officials, highlighting a gap between the two sides.Semafor: “Canada is also characterizing it differently:”
- SupportedKevin Hassett said Sunday that negotiators were “very close” to reaching an agreement.Semafor: “National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that negotiators were “very close” to reaching an agreement”
- SupportedThe agreement would ease the countries’ tit-for-tat tariffs on an array of goods.Semafor: “to reaching an agreement that would ease the countries’ tit-for-tat tariffs on an array of goods”
- SupportedPresident Donald Trump later echoed Hassett’s sentiment.Semafor: “a sentiment President Donald Trump later echoed.”
- SupportedA spokesperson for Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canada remained in constructive dialogue with US counterparts on a range of priorities.Semafor: ““Canada remains in constructive dialogue with our US counterparts on a range of priorities,” a spokesperson for Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc told Semafor.”
- SupportedThe spokesperson said Canada stood ready to work constructively and in good faith towards a more mutually beneficial trading relationship that respects Canada’s interests.Semafor: ““We stand ready to work constructively and in good faith towards a more mutually beneficial trading relationship that respects Canada’s interests.””
- SupportedA White House official pointed to Trump’s Friday remarks that Canada “is working very hard” to strike a trade deal with the US.Semafor: “A White House official pointed to Trump’s remarks Friday that Canada “is working very hard” to strike a trade deal with the US”
- SupportedTrump said the US has “all the cards.”Semafor: “which he said has “all the cards.””