The entry into force of the trade arrangement between the United States and Canada was made conditional on the completion of the final documents. U.S. President Donald Trump said at the White House on Wednesday that the two countries had reached a very fair trade agreement.
Trump announced that tariffs paid by American farmers exporting to Canada would be reduced to zero. Saying that Canada had presented the proposals needed by the United States on Tuesday, Trump said he had had a good phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and that the agreement was fair to both sides.
A 50% tariff on some products imported from Canada was scheduled to take effect on Wednesday. Trump said that, under the agreement, tariffs on exports by American farmers to Canada would be reduced to zero.
Final documents awaited for auto tariffs
Asked whether tariffs on automobiles imported from Canada would be reduced, Trump said the Ottawa government had taken some steps on the issue. Trump stressed that the documents had to be finalized for the agreement to enter into force.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said the arrangement would cover broad access for U.S. goods to the Canadian market, commitments on economic security and compliance with digital trade rules. The agreement will also include provisions aimed at protecting the U.S. market and American workers in cooperation with Canada.
Talks continue in Washington
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced that he had met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington. LeBlanc said the two countries were continuing to work together to reach a final agreement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated LeBlanc and Greer on the significant progress made in the trade negotiations. Carney said Canada had entered the negotiations with the best trade conditions overall. He said Canada was pursuing an agreement that would secure better terms in strategic sectors and increase predictability in future trade relations.
Trump had previously suspended the 50% tariffs on Canadian products for three days, just hours before they were due to take effect. The decision was based on the assessment that the two countries had reached an agreement, subject to the completion of the final documents.
Maria Nica / Editor
