Canada and US to continue trade negotiations
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bénin Web TV
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced progress in talks on a new trade agreement with the United States after an exchange with Donald Trump. Negotiations are to continue in the coming weeks, as reciprocal tariffs of 50% weigh on bilateral relations, according to Bénin Web TV.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday 1 November that Canadian and US teams would continue their trade negotiations over the coming weeks, after an exchange with US President Donald Trump, Bénin Web TV reports. Carney described recent discussions on the broad outlines of a mutually beneficial agreement as constructive.
The discussions follow the failure of high-level talks between Ottawa and Washington in August. US tariffs of 50% took effect on 22 August on about 20 billion dollars’ worth of Canadian products. Canada retaliated on 8 September by imposing equivalent tariffs on certain US products, including steel, dairy products, household appliances and agricultural equipment.
Donald Trump had mentioned the possibility of a new agreement the previous week. Tariffs are also weighing on the US election campaign, particularly in Michigan and Maine, where affected local businesses are putting pressure on Republican candidates, according to Bénin Web TV. The midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November, will determine control of Congress.
The continuation of the negotiations comes two days before the vote. Debates over the cost of living and tariffs have marked the campaign, as reported in an article on the cost of living before the midterm elections.
