Canada and the U.S. are \u201cvery close\u201d to a trade deal, a key adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump said, days after the White House imposed new tariffs on Canadian goods and dropped others. <\/p>\n
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett made the remark during an interview on Fox News Sunday. He said U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had been speaking with his Canadian counterparts through last week, and that the two sides are nearing an accord.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe negotiations have picked up. They\u2019re gathering steam,\u201d Hassett said.<\/p>\n
Asked why Trump\u2019s tariff policy had not yet resulted in a deal, the adviser blamed the \u201cCanadian election that just happened, including Alberta separating,\u201d for the impasse. Earlier this week, Albertans voted against holding a binding referendum on leaving Canada.<\/p>\n
That had made it \u201cessentially impossible to negotiate with the Canadians,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Does Trump hold \u2018all the cards\u2019?<\/p>\n
His comments echo similar remarked from the U.S. president himself on Friday. He told reporters in Washington that he felt a deal was close. His team holds \u201call the cards,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Later that day, the White House laid out a new slate of 50 per cent tariffs against Canadian goods.<\/p>\n
Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins \u2013 who is running for re-election in November \u2013 took credit for the removal of tariffs on Canadian goods critical to her state\u2019s agricultural sector. She called Canada America\u2019s \u201cneighbour, ally, and largest trading partner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among the goods receiving exemptions: seaweed, packing boxes and some plywood sheets. In their place, the White House added tariffs on cocoa powder, vinyl flooring and shampoos, among other goods.A full list of goods now facing 50 per cent tariffs is available here<\/a>. The changes will take effect at the end of the month, joining a wide range of Canadian goods facing U.S. import tariffs, including metals, lumber, and autos. Other goods have been banned outright, like beer, liquors, and motorcycles. <\/p>\n