Canada, US Signal Shared Goal for Trade Deal Ahead of August 19 Tariff Deadline

Negotiations between Canada and the United States are progressing constructively, and Washington appears equally keen to reach an agreement before a new tariff deadline on August 19, according to a Canadian government source familiar with the talks.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said both sides are showing positive intent. "They also want to come to an agreement before the deadline of August 19th. This is also their goal. It's not just for us," the source said.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose additional 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian imports from that date, including goods that would otherwise qualify for exemptions under the USMCA free trade agreement.

Canadian Minister for US Trade Relations Dominic LeBlanc met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for the second time this week on Thursday. It was their fourth meeting in three weeks, according to LeBlanc's office. Canada's chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, also attended the session.

"Negotiations are ongoing, and we continue to advance Canada's interests," LeBlanc said in a post on X.

Charette and a team of four or five senior officials from Canada's foreign affairs, finance, and agriculture ministries are engaging with their US counterparts on a daily basis. The source described the working relationship as collaborative.

However, the source cautioned that Ottawa is prepared to consider all options if talks falter. "Everything is on the table, including our relationship with the US," the source said.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe called the latest discussions encouraging but urged both sides to keep the broader goal of renewing the USMCA as the primary focus.

The US Trade Representative's office has said the new tariffs, if applied, would cover nearly $20 billion of imports from Canada — roughly 5.2% of the $383 billion in goods the US imported from Canada in 2025, based on US Census Bureau data.