Key facts
- Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington.
- The meeting was described as "constructive and lengthy" and lasted 90 minutes.
- Canada announced it will remove most of its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
- Counter-tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain in place.
- U.S. President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on certain Canadian goods.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described his meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington as "constructive and lengthy," lasting 90 minutes. The talks come as Canada announced it would remove most of its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, aligning with American tariff exemptions under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Despite Canada's move, its counter-tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles will remain. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently increased tariffs on certain Canadian goods, including non-CUSMA-compliant items, to 35 percent.
LeBlanc, accompanied by Marc-André Blanchard and Michael Sabia, stated that the focus of the negotiations is on striking a comprehensive deal that addresses sectoral tariffs and benefits Canadian workers, farmers, and businesses. Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that while Canada is working to improve outcomes on steel, softwood lumber, aluminum, and auto parts, it must also explore other areas for "win-win co-operation."