In early May, Canada and the United States will begin negotiations on a new trade agreement. These talks will start after Canada holds parliamentary elections, and it is possible that the government may change.
This was announced on Friday by Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, citing AFP. Carney discussed the trade situation after meeting with government officials who handle relations with the U.S.
During his first phone call with Donald Trump after taking office, the Prime Minister agreed with the U.S. President that discussions on future trade relations would begin after the Canadian elections.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the negotiations would start in the coming weeks. He also mentioned that he is working to ensure that the next Canadian government will be in the best position to negotiate with the U.S., which, according to the agreement with the President, will begin in May.
Carney also warned that the U.S. trade conflicts with other countries are leading to worsened financial conditions, early signs of a global economic slowdown, and a negative impact on the Canadian labor market.
Although Canada was excluded from the 10% base tariffs imposed by the U.S. on most countries, it remains affected by the 25% tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminum, as well as by tariffs on Canadian imports that do not meet the requirements of the USMCA – the agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
