Canada says US moving toward its trade demands ahead of midterms
Carney says any progress reflects US concessions, not Canadian offers, as trade talks resume amid looming US elections.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday that trade talks with the United States have "slightly intensified" because Washington is moving closer to Canada’s demands, eight days before the US midterm elections.
What happened
Carney told reporters in Toronto that the pace of negotiations has picked up, describing the change as a "slight, slight intensification." He added that Canada’s negotiating position remains unchanged and that any progress is due to the US coming nearer to Canada’s position.
What the reports add
Both Deccan Chronicle and The Independent note that White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has suggested the two countries are close to a deal. The Deccan Chronicle article adds that the comments came after the White House hinted at progress, while The Independent emphasizes that the progress is not the result of Canadian concessions.
What was said
"To the extent any progress has been made, it's because the US is coming closer to our position," Carriage said, as reported by Deccan Chronicle.
Carney also responded to a question about whether President Donald Trump would "sign in pen" this time, saying, "I don't know that," according to the same source.
Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s office said Canada remains in "constructive dialogue" with Washington, a statement echoed by both outlets.
How it came about
Canada rejected a US trade proposal in August after the two nations appeared close to an agreement, a move that led Trump to impose 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods. Canada retaliated with its own measures, and the dispute has continued into the fall. Felo previously reported on Trump’s claim that the trade war would end "pretty soon" (trump-canada-trade-war-pretty-soon) and on the White House’s partial tariff relief announced on October 23 (trump-canada-tariffs-midterms). The current remarks come as US political stakes rise ahead of the midterm elections.
Key facts
- Prime Minister Mark Carney said trade talks have slightly intensified because the US is moving closer to Canada's demands. (deccanchronicle.com)
- White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett suggested the two countries are close to a deal. (independent.co.uk)
- Canada rejected a US trade proposal in August, prompting 50% tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods. (deccanchronicle.com)
Timeline
- 2026-08-XX — Canada rejected US trade proposal; US imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods.
- 2026-10-23 — US announced selective tariff exemptions for Canadian agricultural and packaging goods.
- 2026-10-26 — Trump said the trade war with Canada would end "pretty soon" at a Michigan rally.
