Carney, Trump signal progress toward Canada–US trade deal after latest talks

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 02, 2026

Photo courtesy: CTV News

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada and the United States will continue working toward a new trade agreement following what he described as a “good conversation” with US President Donald Trump.

Carney announced the development on Sunday, November 1, after the two leaders spoke on Saturday about the future of bilateral trade.

The exchange suggests renewed momentum in negotiations that have been strained by tariffs on Canadian goods and disagreements over economic and national policy priorities.

Carney said the discussion built on earlier talks about a potential agreement that would support Canadian jobs, improve affordability and protect the country’s languages, culture and sovereignty.

“Our teams will now be working in the coming weeks to deliver that outcome,” he wrote on X.

Trump also struck an optimistic tone on Sunday, telling reporters in Iowa that both countries had reached the preliminary outlines of a possible agreement. He said the deal could benefit American farmers while also being acceptable to Canada.

Trade talks show signs of progress

The positive remarks mark a shift in tone after months of tensions between Ottawa and Washington.

Formal negotiations broke down in August following disagreements over proposed trade terms. Canada objected to US demands it considered harmful to its economic interests and ability to make independent policy decisions.

The dispute led to additional American tariffs on Canadian exports and retaliatory measures from Ottawa.

Steel and automotive products have remained central concerns for Canadian negotiators, particularly as manufacturers face higher costs and uncertainty over access to the US market.

Although officials resumed discussions in recent weeks, Carney had previously described progress as limited.

His latest exchange with Trump suggests the two governments may now have a clearer basis for negotiations, although neither side has announced a finalized agreement.

Canada maintains key conditions

Carney has repeatedly said Ottawa will not accept a trade agreement that compromises Canadian priorities simply to resolve the dispute quickly.

During an interview on October 30, he maintained that Canada was prepared to wait rather than accept unfavorable terms.

His comments followed concerns over American proposals affecting Canadian cultural protections, trade arrangements and the competitiveness of major industries.

The prime minister’s latest statement reinforced those conditions, making clear that any agreement must respect Canada’s sovereignty while providing economic benefits.

Trump, meanwhile, indicated that agricultural trade would be among the areas where the United States expects gains.

Neither government has released detailed terms covering tariffs, market access or other outstanding issues.

Discussions continue ahead of US midterms

The latest exchange came just days before the November 3 US midterm elections, when voters will determine control of Congress.

Tariffs on Canadian products have become a campaign issue in some American border states, where businesses depend on trade with Canada.

The dispute has also affected Canadian manufacturers and exporters whose operations rely on cross-border supply chains.

Negotiators from both countries are expected to continue discussions over the coming weeks.