Mark Carney's Urgent Mission: Trade Talks with Trump in Washington

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:20:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Washington to bridge trade gaps with President Trump as negotiations stall. Amidst domestic pressures and international expectations, Carney aims for a deal to alleviate tariffs and boost Canada-US relations.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Washington for pivotal discussions with President Trump, aiming to revitalize stalled trade negotiations. With Canada being the last G7 country yet to finalize a trade deal with the US this year, the stakes are high amidst economic pressures and public discontent with US ties. Trump has indicated a tough stance on tariffs while Carney faces criticism over his approach. The meeting seeks to establish ground for mutual economic benefits as both nations navigate a complex relationship.

Mark Carney's Urgent Mission: Trade Talks with Trump in Washington

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Washington for his second visit this year - this time with the more modest goal of getting trade talks back on track.

Negotiations have dragged on over the summer, blowing past an August deadline set by the two leaders. But few details have been released about the discussions or the issues preventing a deal.

Canada is the only G7 country yet to reach a trade deal with Trump this year - though unlike other allies, Ottawa is not in a rush given carve-outs under the US-Canada-Mexico Free Trade Agreement.

But Tuesday's tête-à-tête comes as Trump has renewed talk of making Canada a US state, while Carney's main opposition figure has said anything short of reaching a trade deal on this trip would be considered a failure.

Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said last week that progress is being made toward an agreement, and media reports suggest there may be some relief from the punishing US steel tariffs to come.

However, insiders have hinted at frustration over a lack of clarity from the White House on what a trade and security deal with Canada could look like.

Face-to-face time with the president, who finds personal relationships important, could also help ease the trade stalemate, noted Jamie Tronnes, the executive director of the Washington-based Center for North American Prosperity and Security.

At the White House on Monday, Trump mentioned the meeting, stating, I guess he's going to ask about tariffs. He also commented on Canadian companies moving into the US, emphasizing America’s economic pull.

Carney faces both domestic and international pressures to secure a deal that could alleviate tariffs, especially for sectors like steel and lumber. Critics have urged him to return from Washington with concrete agreements rather than empty promises.

Negotiations are critical for Canada, where 75% of its goods are sold to the US and where the repercussions of ongoing tariffs could significantly impact the economy.

With the ongoing complexities in US-Canada relations, Carney’s visit promises to be a crucial step in seeking a balance that preserves both economic interests and national integrity.