Trump and Carney move closer in their trade dispute, but the details still have to be written down
After several phone calls, both leaders speak of a deal in the making, with agriculture, steel, cars and the Keystone pipeline on the table.
The United States and Canada have taken a step towards ending their trade dispute. After several phone calls, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Sunday that positive talks are under way, Business AM reports. According to the Associated Press, via Transport Topics, Carney called the conversation constructive and President Donald Trump said both sides have the concept of a good deal. Negotiators are to work out the text in the coming weeks.
According to Trump, Canada would scrap its import duties on US farm products, notably dairy, where he says they reach up to 400 percent, Business AM writes. He also raised the Keystone oil pipeline. According to AP, possible US relief for Canadian steel and cars was discussed, but no details have been released. Carney wants the deal to create jobs and lower costs for families while respecting Canada's culture, language and sovereignty.
Talks had stalled since August, when Canada rejected US demands. Washington then imposed 50 percent tariffs on about 20 billion dollars of Canadian goods, and Ottawa retaliated, AP reports. The trade dispute is a factor in today's elections, including in Michigan and Maine. Canada is meanwhile looking for other markets as well: at the end of October it launched a new partnership with the European Union, and Carney aims to double exports outside the US.