Canada sees little chance of resuming trade talks with US before midterms

Canada has effectively put its trade relationship with the United States on ice. After negotiations fell apart in late August over what Prime Minister Mark Carney called unfair and uneconomic demands, Ottawa is now signaling it has no intention of returning to the table before the November midterm elections, and possibly not before Trump leaves office. Carney has said he sees “no burning issue” requiring immediate dialogue with President Trump, a phrase that carries a certain diplomatic chill given the US just slapped 50% tariffs on up to $28 billion worth of Canadian exports. How the talks fell apart The breakdown came swiftly on August 21-22, when the US introduced a fresh set of conditions that Canadian negotiators deemed unacceptable. Among the sticking points: restrictions on Canada’s ability to pursue trade agreements with other countries, along with complications involving automotive sector protections and cultural safeguards that Ottawa considers non-negotiable. The response from Washington was swift and punishing. Within a day of the collapse, the US imposed 50% tariffs on between $20 billion and $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, targeting exports that had previously en...