Carney Calls Trade Talks 'Intense' as US Tariffs Near

Canada is days away from getting hit with a fresh wave of steep US tariffs, and the two sides appear to not be close to a broader trade deal, Reuters reports. Starting Wednesday, the Trump administration plans to slap duties of up to 50% on nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods—including wine, furniture, dairy, cement, and hockey gear—using a rarely invoked provision of the 1930 Tariff Act meant to punish countries the US contends are discriminating against its products. Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday described last-minute negotiations with the US as "delicate" and "intense," per the CBC.

The move would apply even to items currently protected under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, raising pressure on Ottawa as talks continue. Canadian officials warn the duties could cost jobs and rattle small and mid-size businesses, though one economist said the overall economic impact may be limited unless the dispute escalates and derails USMCA negotiations, per Reuters. Canada's Dominic LeBlanc and Janice Charette and US negotiators Jamieson Greer and Howard Lutnick met in Washington on Monday afternoon for their longest session yet. Carney said he intends to speak with President Trump in the next 48 hours.