Politics · Canada · 1 hr ago
Canada-U.S. trade talks accelerate, but a deal before midterms is uncertain
After nearly two months of stalemate, Canada and the U.S. have stepped up political-level trade talks.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is leading Canada’s side, but formal negotiations between trade representatives have not yet begun.
The Canadian government sees a chance to reach an agreement before the U.S. midterm elections on Nov.
3, though sources doubt that timeline.
The sides are discussing possible relief from U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and autos.
Canada says it will not accept a deal that crosses its red lines, including limits on its ability to make trade agreements with other countries.
Any agreement would require U.S. concessions on issues that caused talks to break down in August, and it is unclear whether officials in the Trump administration would accept them.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will judge any offer as a whole, while acknowledging he does not know whether President Donald Trump would stand by a deal.
A deal is possible, but not assured before the elections.
Canada-U.S. trade talks have intensified slightly, but Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says progress depends on Washington moving closer to Canada’s demands.
Sources familiar with the talks told Global News they are moving quickly at the political level, but said a deal before the U.S. midterm elections is uncertain.
The talks come after negotiations broke down in August, when Canada rejected U.S. terms it said crossed its red lines.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a deal could come soon, while Carney said he could not be sure Trump would honour a new agreement.
The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for Nov. 3, and Trump’s tariffs have become an issue in closely watched Senate races.
- Who
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration are involved in the talks. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is leading Canada’s side at the political level.
- What
- The countries are discussing a trade agreement, including easing U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada says its negotiating position has not changed.
- When
- Carney described a slight intensification on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The talks are unfolding ahead of the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3.
- Where
- The negotiations are between Canada and the United States. Carney spoke to reporters in Ottawa.
- Why
- The countries are seeking to resolve trade disputes, including U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada says any agreement must respect its red lines.
Canadian government
Trump administration
Prospects for a deal
Canadian government
Carney said there is a greater prospect of a deal if the United States moves toward accepting Canada’s red lines.
Trump administration
Trump has said the countries are close to a deal and that it could be settled soon.
Terms of an agreement
Canadian government
Canada says its position has not changed and that it will sign only an agreement in Canadians’ interests.
Trump administration
The sources do not specify the administration’s full negotiating position; talks include tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum.
Reliability of a deal
Canadian government
Carney said he does not know whether Trump would honour a new agreement.
Trump administration
Trump has said a deal could be reached soon, but sources cited by Global News noted that he has previously said deals were struck and then reversed course.
Talks broke down after Canada walked away from negotiations.
Canada rejected Washington’s terms, saying the offer crossed Canadian red lines.
Trump said he would lift some 50% tariffs on Canadian goods while imposing new tariffs on dozens of other products.
Trump told supporters in Michigan that a deal would be settled pretty soon.
Carney said talks had intensified slightly, while sources told Global News a deal before the midterms remained uncertain.
The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place.
- Canadian position
- Carney said it has not changed
- Talks
- Slight intensification, according to Carney
- U.S. midterms
- Nov. 3, 2026
- Tariffs announced by Trump
- 50% on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods
- Canadian lead at political level
- Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc
- Talks breakdown
- Aug. 21
4 sources
Carney says Trump moving closer to Canada’s trade demands
U.S. trade negotiators ‘coming closer to our position,’ Carney says
'The U.S. is coming closer to our position': Carney describes small intensification of trade talks
Canada-U.S. trade talks ‘moving quickly’ at political level ahead of midterms: sources
What people are saying
To the extent any progress has been made, it’s because the U.S. is coming closer to our position
Canada is ready to sign an agreement that is in the interest of Canadians, all Canadians. We have very clear bottom lines, red lines, which meant that we were not willing to sign what was offered in August.
I don’t.
willing to give us anything at this moment