Dominic LeBlanc and Canadian negotiators work to finalize a trade deal with the US before a midnight deadline.
Dominic LeBlanc, a top Canadian negotiator, reported that trade talks between the US and Canada are nearing completion as a midnight deadline approaches. The administration announced that the final agreement aims to cover sectors including automobiles, metals, and farm goods. President Trump expressed optimism that the deal will provide significant tariff relief for American farmers and manufacturers, while also including a reduction in Canadian digital services taxes and the restarting of the Keystone XL pipeline. Negotiators are currently addressing key sticking points such as auto tariffs, which could be lowered from 25% to 15%, and metal tariffs, where Canada seeks to have steel tariffs restored under the USMCA pact. While the administration announced that the deal is a fair agreement, some Canadian officials, such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, expressed continued hard feelings regarding the administration's trade approach. Despite the progress, new 50% tariffs are set to take effect Saturday morning unless the final terms are a finalized agreement is reached.