US Canada trade talks: Carney and Trump discuss possible deal

US Canada trade discussions moved forward on Sunday, November 1, as Prime Minister Mark Carney described a positive conversation with President Donald Trump about a possible agreement. Trump, speaking to reporters in Dubuque, Iowa, said the two sides had a concept for a deal.

Carney said on X that the exchange followed earlier discussions about the outline of an agreement beneficial to both countries. He said negotiating teams would work over the coming weeks to pursue that outcome.

Negotiating teams face unresolved tariff issues

The Canadian prime minister said an agreement should create jobs and improve affordability while respecting Canada's sovereignty, languages and culture. His account described discussions in progress rather than a completed settlement.

Trump said he had spoken with Carney again on Saturday and expected the proposed arrangement to benefit American farmers. He also said it would include construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

The pipeline had been shelved during former President Joe Biden's administration and has faced opposition from environmental campaigners. The reports did not provide detailed terms for its inclusion in a new trade agreement.

The US Canada trade dispute has involved tariffs on billions of dollars of goods in recent months. Negotiations broke down in August, after which Washington imposed additional duties, though some were lifted ahead of the US midterm elections.

Canada responded with tariffs covering an equivalent value of American products. Further US duties subsequently reached as high as 50 per cent on some goods, according to reports.

Canadian officials had previously reported limited progress despite efforts to reduce tariffs affecting steel and vehicles. The dispute has also become an election issue in northern US border states, including Michigan and Maine.

Tuesday's US midterm vote falls on November 3. Although Trump had said last week that an agreement could arrive soon, the latest statements still leave negotiating teams with work to complete and do not announce a final deal.

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