Canada, U.S. Resume Trade Talks After Partial Tariff Removal

Canada is set to lift some retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods as part of ongoing trade negotiations aimed at resolving tensions stemming from recent tariff hikes. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc will meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington to discuss these developments, following Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement to remove tariffs on products covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), though tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles will remain. U.S. President Donald Trump approved of Canada's decision, calling it "nice," while Canada continues to navigate the impact of Trump's 35 percent tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant Canadian goods. The talks focus on addressing key disputes and fostering broader cooperation in trade, investment, and security between the two countries. Separately, Canada and the Mercosur trade bloc, led by Brazil, have agreed to resume negotiations on a free trade agreement, signaling Canada's continued commitment to expanding trade relationships in the Americas. Both trade discussions highlight Canada's strategic efforts to protect its economic interests amid complex international trade dynamics.