Canada and U.S. Set 30-Day Goal for New Trade and Security Deal

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President Donald Trump participates in a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G7 Summit, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok; The White House/Facebook)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to try to finalize a new trade and security deal within 30 days—a surprise move that comes despite ongoing disagreements, especially over tariffs.

The two leaders met during a G7 summit in Alberta, where they discussed key issues of mutual concern. Carney wants to reshape the Canada-U.S. relationship, focusing on removing tariffs and improving security ties. Trump, however, continues to back tariffs. “I’m a tariff person,” he said after their meeting. “Mark has a different concept … we’re going to see if we can get to the bottom of it.”

Trump’s tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos remain a central sticking point. Canada has pushed back, with Carney warning last week that the country is preparing its trade measures if talks fail.

While Carney’s office confirmed that the goal is to reach a deal within 30 days, it did not specify whether Canada might accept some tariffs as part of a compromise. That silence has raised questions about what Ottawa is willing to give up to reach an agreement.

Canadian officials have recently expressed concern that the U.S. is in no hurry to make a deal. “We are in the middle of a discussion—we are not at the end,” said Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to Washington. She added that Canada wants an agreement but won’t accept a bad one.

The push for a quick deal is ambitious. Trade tensions have been high for years, and past attempts to ease them have not been successful. However, the goal to resolve issues in 30 days shows that both sides see a chance to move forward, even if the road ahead is unclear.