Carney Claims Trump Trade Progress Ahead of Midterms

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reported Sunday that he held a constructive conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential trade agreement. The statement comes days before the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3.

Carney stated that the discussion built on recent talks about a deal designed to create jobs, lower costs for families, and protect Canadian languages and culture. "Our teams will now be working in the coming weeks to deliver that outcome," Carney wrote on social media.

The positive tone contrasts with the situation in August. Canada left negotiations at that time after rejecting U.S. demands that Carney said threatened sovereignty and the auto industry. Trump responded by imposing 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods. Canada retaliated against the move.

Negotiations resumed after that standoff, though progress has been uneven. Last week, Carney said negotiations had intensified slightly. He insisted that any movement toward a deal was because Washington was moving closer to Canada's position. As recently as Wednesday, however, Carney said the countries were not yet ready to reach an agreement before Tuesday's election.

The two sides are discussing possible relief from U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and automobiles. No details of a specific agreement have been announced. The trade dispute has become an issue in the Nov. 3 election, particularly in Michigan and Maine. Republican candidates in those states have faced pressure over tariffs hurting local businesses. Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers has called for an end to the tariff war.

The conflict has also pushed Carney to seek new markets. Canada and the European Union launched a new economic and security alliance on Friday. Carney is pursuing a goal of doubling Canadian exports outside the United States over the next decade.