Trump Signals No US-Canada Trade Deal Before August Tariff Deadline

President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is not focused on finalizing a trade deal with Canada before the August 1 deadline, suggesting Canada may simply pay tariffs rather than negotiate further. Despite ongoing complex negotiations involving Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. officials, there is growing uncertainty about reaching an agreement, with Trump threatening a 35% tariff on Canadian goods not covered by existing trade agreements. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized that Canada will not accept a bad deal and has quietly rolled back retaliatory tariffs amid U.S. pressure. The current tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and copper have significantly impacted Canadian industries, although most exports still flow tariff-free under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Trump contrasts the stalled talks with Canada to progress made in trade agreements with the European Union, China, and Australia. Canadian officials continue to seek a balanced deal while preparing for the possibility that tariffs may remain in place.