Canada's leader says Trump is backing down in trade war as US moves closer to his demands

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says negotiations with the Trump administration have gained a little momentum, and he credits that to Washington shifting toward Canada's stance rather than Ottawa giving ground. Eight days before the U. S. midterm elections, he described only a "slight, slight intensification" of talks and said Canada's position is unchanged. He also conceded he cannot be sure President Donald Trump would honor any new deal, according to The Independent.

The dispute dates to August, when Canada rejected U. S. terms it said crossed its red lines. Trump responded with 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods, and Canada answered with countermeasures and added trade restrictions. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has suggested a deal is near, and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc's office speaks of constructive dialogue. Trump announced Friday that some of the 50% duties would be lifted even as new ones hit dozens of other products. At a Michigan rally he predicted a settlement soon, and he later said it might still take months.

The tariffs have become a factor in Senate contests.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →